a nurse is performing an abdominal assessment on a client the nurse determines that which of the following findings should be reported to the physicia
Logo

Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions

1. During an abdominal assessment, a nurse finds pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis on a client. What finding should be reported to the physician?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The presence of pulsation between the umbilicus and pubis could indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm, which is a serious condition and should be reported to the physician promptly. A concave, midline umbilicus is a normal finding. Bowel sound frequency can vary widely and is not a cause for concern at 15 sounds per minute. Absence of a bruit is a normal finding in an abdominal assessment and does not require reporting.

2. You’re caring for a 28 y.o. woman with hepatitis B. She’s concerned about the duration of her recovery. Which response isn’t appropriate?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Encouraging the patient to not worry about the future is not appropriate. Instead, address her concerns and provide information.

3. 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?

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.

4. Hepatic encephalopathy develops when the blood level of which substance increases?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hepatic encephalopathy develops when the blood level of ammonia increases.

5. 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?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: To prevent strain on the surgical site and avoid disruption of tissue integrity, the client should avoid coughing after an umbilical hernia repair.

Similar Questions

You’re patient, post-op drainage of a pelvic abscess secondary to diverticulitis, begins to cough violently after drinking water. His wound has ruptured and a small segment of the bowel is protruding. What’s your priority?
The nurse is assessing for stoma prolapse in a client with a colostomy. The nurse would observe which of the following if stoma prolapse occurred?
The nurse is performing an assessment on a client with acute pancreatitis who was admitted to the hospital. Which of the following assessment questions most specifically would elicit information regarding the pain that is associated with acute pancreatitis?
You’re caring for Beth who underwent a Billroth II procedure (surgical removal of the pylorus and duodenum) for treatment of a peptic ulcer. Which findings suggest that the patient is developing dumping syndrome, a complication associated with this procedure?
Which area of the alimentary canal is the most common location for Crohn’s disease?

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

Other Courses