ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A client with viral hepatitis is discussing with the nurse the need to avoid alcohol and states, 'I’m not sure I can avoid alcohol.' The most appropriate response is
- A. Everything will be alright.
- B. I think you should talk more with the doctor about this.
- C. I don’t believe that.
- D. I’m not sure that I don’t understand. Would you please explain?
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The most appropriate response in this situation is to seek clarification from the client by saying, 'I’m not sure that I don’t understand. Would you please explain?' This response shows empathy and a willingness to listen, encouraging the client to elaborate on their concerns. False reassurance (Choice A) is not helpful as it dismisses the client's feelings. Suggesting to talk more with the doctor (Choice B) may deflect from addressing the client's immediate concerns. Expressing disbelief (Choice C) can create a barrier to open communication, making the client feel unsupported.
2. The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client following gastrectomy. Which measure will the nurse instruct the client to follow to assist in preventing dumping syndrome?
- A. Eat high-carbohydrate foods
- B. Limit the fluids taken with meals
- C. Ambulate following a meal
- D. Sit in a high-Fowlers position during meals
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To prevent dumping syndrome after a gastrectomy, it is recommended to limit fluids taken with meals to slow down gastric emptying and reduce the symptoms.
3. Kevin has a history of peptic ulcer disease and vomits coffee-ground emesis. What does this indicate?
- A. He has fresh, active upper GI bleeding.
- B. He needs immediate saline gastric lavage.
- C. His gastric bleeding occurred 2 hours earlier.
- D. He needs a transfusion of packed RBCs.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Coffee-ground emesis is a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding that occurred approximately 2 hours earlier. It results from the breakdown of blood in the stomach due to digestive enzymes, giving it a coffee-ground appearance. Choice A is incorrect because coffee-ground emesis indicates older, partially digested blood, not fresh active bleeding. Choice B is incorrect as gastric lavage is not indicated for coffee-ground emesis. Choice D is incorrect because a transfusion of packed RBCs is not the immediate management for this presentation.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who has just returned from the operating room following the creation of a colostomy. The nurse is assessing the drainage in the pouch attached to the site where the colostomy was formed and notes serosanguineous drainage. Which nursing action is most appropriate based on this assessment?
- A. Notify the physician
- B. Document the amount and characteristics of the drainage
- C. Apply ice to the stoma site
- D. Apply pressure to the site
Correct answer: B
Rationale: During the first 24 to 72 hours following surgery, mucus and serosanguineous drainage are expected from the stoma. Documenting the amount and characteristics of the drainage is appropriate. The nurse does not need to notify the physician because this is an expected finding. Applying ice or pressure to the site is not necessary.
5. A client is scheduled for oral cholecystography. Which one of the following actions would the nurse plan to implement before the test?
- A. Have the client drink 1000 mL of water.
- B. Ask the client about possible allergies to iodine or shellfish.
- C. Administer an intravenous contrast agent the evening before the test.
- D. Administer tap-water enemas until clear.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Iodine compounds used as radiographic contrast agents, such as iopanoic acid (Telepaque), should not be administered to the client with iodine and seafood allergies because anaphylaxis may occur.
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