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. Your patient has a GI tract that is functioning, but has the inability to swallow foods. Which is the preferred method of feeding for your patient?
- A. TPN
- B. PPN
- C. NG feeding
- D. Oral liquid supplements
Correct answer: C
Rationale: NG feeding is the preferred method for patients with a functioning GI tract but an inability to swallow foods.
3. A client has a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube inserted for tube feedings. Before starting a continuous feeding, the nurse should place the client in which position?
- A. Semi-Fowlers
- B. Supine
- C. Reverse Trendelenburg
- D. High Fowler’s
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Placing the client in a high Fowler’s position helps prevent aspiration and promotes proper digestion and feeding tube function.
4. Which of the following terms best describes the pain associated with appendicitis?
- A. Aching
- B. Fleeting
- C. Intermittent
- D. Steady
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Steady. The pain associated with appendicitis is typically constant and steady, especially in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. It is not described as aching (choice A) because it is more persistent and severe than a dull ache. It is not fleeting (choice B) as appendicitis pain tends to worsen over time. It is also not intermittent (choice C) as the pain is continuous and does not come and go.
5. Colon cancer is most closely associated with which of the following conditions?
- A. Appendicitis
- B. Hemorrhoids
- C. Hiatal hernia
- D. Ulcerative colitis
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Ulcerative colitis is a condition closely associated with an increased risk of developing colon cancer due to chronic inflammation of the colon.
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