ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. 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.
2. The pain of a duodenal ulcer can be distinguished from that of a gastric ulcer by which of the following characteristics?
- A. Early satiety
- B. Pain on eating
- C. Dull upper epigastric pain
- D. Pain on empty stomach
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Pain on an empty stomach is characteristic of a duodenal ulcer, while pain on eating is characteristic of a gastric ulcer.
3. A nurse is caring for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. To minimize the effects of the disorder, the nurse teaches the client about foods that are high in thiamine. The nurse determines that the client has best understanding of the dietary measures to follow of the client states an intention to increase intake of:
- A. Pork
- B. Milk
- C. Chicken
- D. Broccoli
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The client with cirrhosis needs to consume foods high in thiamine. Thiamine is present in a variety of foods of plant and animal origin. Pork products are especially rich in this vitamin. Other good food sources include nuts, whole grain cereals, and legumes. Milk contains vitamins A, D, and B2. Broccoli contains vitamins C, E, and K and folic acid.
4. The nurse is preparing a discharge teaching plan for the client who had an umbilical hernia repair. Which of the following would the nurse include in the plan?
- A. Restricting pain medication
- B. Maintaining bedrest
- C. Avoiding coughing
- D. Irrigating the drain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bedrest is not required following this surgical procedure. The client should take analgesics as needed and as prescribed to control pain. A drain is not used in this surgical procedure, although the client may be instructed in simple dressing changes. Coughing is avoided to prevent disruption of the tissue integrity, which can occur because of the location of this surgical procedure.
5. A client being treated for chronic cholecystitis should be given which of the following instructions?
- A. Increase rest
- B. Avoid antacids
- C. Increase protein in diet
- D. Use anticholinergics as prescribed
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Using anticholinergics as prescribed can help manage the symptoms of chronic cholecystitis.
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