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. A 30-year-old woman is admitted to the hospital with complaints of severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. The nurse evaluates the effectiveness of the patient's intravenous therapy. Which of the following laboratory tests BEST reflects hydration status?
- A. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
- B. White blood cell count.
- C. Hematocrit.
- D. Serum glucose.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Hematocrit is the best indicator of hydration status because it reflects the proportion of red blood cells in the blood. An increased hematocrit indicates dehydration, as the blood becomes more concentrated due to fluid loss. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (Choice A) is a nonspecific marker of inflammation, not hydration status. White blood cell count (Choice B) is an indicator of infection or inflammation. Serum glucose (Choice D) is used to monitor blood sugar levels, not hydration status.
3. Gail is scheduled for a cholecystectomy. After completion of preoperative teaching, Gail states,”If I lie still and avoid turning after the operation, I’ll avoid pain. Do you think this is a good idea?” What is the best response?
- A. You’ll need to turn from side to side every 2 hours.
- B. It’s always a good idea to rest quietly after surgery.
- C. The doctor will probably order you to lie flat for 24 hours.
- D. Why don’t you decide about activity after you return from the recovery room?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The best response to Gail is to inform her that she will need to turn from side to side every 2 hours to prevent complications.
4. You have to teach ostomy self care to a patient with a colostomy. You tell the patient to measure and cut the wafer:
- A. To the exact size of the stoma.
- B. About 1/16” larger than the stoma.
- C. About 1/8” larger than the stoma.
- D. About 1/4″ larger than the stoma.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The wafer should be measured and cut about 1/8” larger than the stoma to ensure proper fit and prevent skin irritation.
5. What information is correct about stomach cancer?
- A. Stomach pain is often a late symptom.
- B. Surgery is often a successful treatment.
- C. Chemotherapy and radiation are often successful treatments.
- D. The patient can survive for an extended time with TPN.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Stomach pain is often a late symptom of stomach cancer.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access