ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A client is suspected of having hepatitis. Which diagnostic test results will assist in confirming this diagnosis?
- A. Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate
- B. Elevated serum bilirubin
- C. Elevated hemoglobin
- D. Elevated blood urea nitrogen
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Laboratory indicators of hepatitis include elevated liver enzyme levels, elevated serum bilirubin levels, elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and leucopenia. An elevated blood urea nitrogen may indicate renal dysfunction. A hemoglobin level is unrelated to this diagnosis.
2. While caring for a client with peptic ulcer disease, the client reports that he has been nauseated most of the day and is now feeling lightheaded and dizzy. Based upon these findings, which nursing actions would be most appropriate for the nurse to take?
- A. Administering an antacid hourly until nausea subsides.
- B. Monitoring the client's vital signs
- C. Notifying the family and friends of the client's symptoms
- D. Initiating oxygen therapy
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Monitoring the client's vital signs and notifying the physician of the client's symptoms are crucial actions based on the reported symptoms.
3. The client with a colostomy has an order for irrigation of the colostomy. The nurse used which solution for irrigation?
- A. Distilled water
- B. Tap water
- C. Sterile water
- D. Lactated Ringer’s
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Tap water at body temperature is generally used for colostomy irrigation unless the local water supply is not safe for drinking, in which case bottled water can be used.
4. Ralph has a history of alcohol abuse and has acute pancreatitis. Which lab value is most likely to be elevated?
- A. Calcium
- B. Glucose
- C. Magnesium
- D. Potassium
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In a patient with acute pancreatitis and a history of alcohol abuse, glucose levels are most likely to be elevated.
5. If a client had irritable bowel syndrome, which of the following diagnostic tests would determine if the diagnosis is Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis?
- A. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan
- B. Abdominal x-ray
- C. Barium swallow
- D. Colonoscopy with biopsy
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A colonoscopy with biopsy is the most definitive diagnostic test to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
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