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. Which of the following dietary measures would be useful in preventing esophageal reflux?
- A. Eating small, frequent meals
- B. Increasing fluid intake
- C. Avoiding air swallowing with meals
- D. Adding a bedtime snack to the dietary plan
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Eating small, frequent meals helps prevent esophageal reflux.
3. Which of the following symptoms best describes Murphy’s sign?
- A. Periumbilical ecchymosis exists
- B. On deep palpation and release, pain is elicited
- C. On deep inspiration, pain is elicited and breathing stops
- D. Abdominal muscles are tightened in anticipation of palpation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Murphy's sign is described as pain elicited on deep inspiration when the examiner's fingers are placed under the right costal margin.
4. An intubated patient is receiving continuous enteral feedings through a Salem sump tube at a rate of 60ml/hr. Gastric residuals have been 30-40ml when monitored Q4H. You check the gastric residual and aspirate 220ml. What is your first response to this finding?
- A. Notify the doctor immediately.
- B. Stop the feeding, and clamp the NG tube.
- C. Discard the 220ml, and clamp the NG tube.
- D. Give a prescribed GI stimulant such as metoclopramide (Reglan).
Correct answer: B
Rationale: If gastric residuals are high during continuous enteral feedings, the first response is to stop the feeding and clamp the NG tube.
5. A client with a peptic ulcer is scheduled for a vagotomy. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of this procedure. The nurse tells the client that the procedure:
- A. Decreases food absorption in the stomach
- B. Heals the gastric mucosa
- C. Halts stress reactions
- D. Reduces the stimulus to acid secretions
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A vagotomy reduces the stimulus to acid secretions by cutting the vagus nerve, which innervates the stomach.
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