ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A nurse has been caring for a client with a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube. The physician arrives on the nursing unit and deflates the esophageal balloon. The nurse should monitor the client most closely for which of the following?
- A. Swelling of the abdomen
- B. Bloody diarrhea
- C. Vomiting blood
- D. An elevated temperature and arise in blood pressure
Correct answer: C
Rationale: A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is inserted into a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and ruptured esophageal varices. The tube has an esophageal and a gastric balloon. The esophageal balloon exerts pressure on the bleeding. The pressure of the esophageal balloon is released at intervals to decrease the risk of trauma to esophageal tissues, including esophageal rupture or necrosis. When the balloon is deflated the client may begin to bleed again from the esophageal varices, noted by vomiting of blood.
2. Which of the following tests can be used to diagnose ulcers?
- A. Abdominal x-ray
- B. Barium swallow
- C. Computed tomography (CT) scan
- D. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic test that involves visualizing the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to diagnose ulcers.
3. Which of the following complications is thought to be the most common cause of appendicitis?
- A. A fecalith
- B. Bowel kinking
- C. Internal bowel occlusion
- D. Abdominal bowel swelling
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A fecalith is a hardened stool that can block the appendix, leading to inflammation and infection, which is the most common cause of appendicitis.
4. In a client with Crohn’s disease, which of the following symptoms should not be a direct result from antibiotic therapy?
- A. Decrease in bleeding
- B. Decrease in temperature
- C. Decrease in body weight
- D. Decrease in the number of stools
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Decrease in body weight is not a direct result of antibiotic therapy but may occur due to the underlying disease process.
5. The nurse is reviewing the physician’s orders written for a client admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which physician order would the nurse question if noted on the client’s chart?
- A. NPO status
- B. Insert a nasogastric tube
- C. An anticholinergic medication
- D. Morphine for pain
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Morphine for pain should be questioned as it can cause spasms of the sphincter of Oddi, worsening pancreatitis.
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