ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A nurse is giving dietary instructions to a client who has a new colostomy. The nurse encourages the client to eat foods representing which of the following diets for the first 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively?
- A. High-protein
- B. High-carbohydrate
- C. Low-calorie
- D. Low-residue
Correct answer: D
Rationale: For the first 4 to 6 weeks following colostomy formation, the client should take in a low-residue diet. Following this period, the client should eat a high-carbohydrate, high-protein diet. The nurse also instructs the client to add new foods, one at a time, to determine tolerance to that food.
2. The nurse is monitoring a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis. The client is scheduled for surgery for 2 hours. The client begins to complain of increases abdominal pain and begins to vomit. On assessment the nurse notes that the abdomen distended and bowel sounds are diminished. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
- A. Administer the prescribed pain medication.
- B. Notify the physician.
- C. Call and ask the operating room team to perform the surgery as soon as possible.
- D. Reposition the client and apply a heating pad on warm setting to the client’s abdomen.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Based on the signs and symptoms presented in the question, the nurse should suspect peritonitis and should notify the physician. Administering pain medication is not an appropriate intervention. Heat should never be applied to the abdomen of a client with suspected appendicitis. Scheduling surgical time is not within the scope of nursing practice, although the physician probably would perform the surgery earlier than the prescheduled time.
3. The nurse instructs the nursing assistant on how to provide oral hygiene for a client who cannot perform this task for himself. Which of the following techniques should the nurse tell the assistant to incorporate into the client’s daily care?
- A. Assess the oral cavity each time mouth care is given and record observations
- B. Use a soft toothbrush to brush the client’s teeth after each meal
- C. Swab the client’s tongue, gums, and lips with a soft foam applicator every 2 hours.
- D. Rinse the client’s mouth with mouthwash several times a day.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Swabbing the client’s tongue, gums, and lips with a soft foam applicator every 2 hours helps maintain oral hygiene for a client who cannot perform this task.
4. A client is taking an antacid for treatment of a peptic ulcer. Which of the following statements best indicates that the client understands how to correctly take the antacid?
- A. I should take my antacid before I take my other medications.
- B. I need to decrease my intake of fluids so that I don’t dilute the effects of my antacid.
- C. My antacid will be most effective if I take it whenever I experience stomach pains.
- D. It is best for me to take my antacid 1 to 3 hours after meals.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: It is best for the client to take the antacid 1 to 3 hours after meals to ensure effectiveness.
5. The client with GERD complains of a chronic cough. The nurse understands that in a client with GERD this symptom may be indicative of which of the following conditions?
- A. Development of laryngeal cancer
- B. Irritation of the esophagus
- C. Esophageal scar tissue formation
- D. Aspiration of gastric contents
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Aspiration of gastric contents can lead to a chronic cough in clients with GERD.
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