ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A nurse is providing instructions to a client who will collect a stool specimen for occult blood. The nurse instructs the client to avoid which of the following for 3 days before the collection of the stool specimen?
- A. Milk products
- B. Hard cheese
- C. Turnips
- D. Cottage cheese
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Turnips. The nurse would instruct the client to avoid red meat, poultry, fish, turnips, horseradish, and foods such as fruits and vegetables for 3 days before and during testing. These products may alter test results. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they are not specifically mentioned as items to avoid before collecting a stool specimen for occult blood.
2. Stephen is a 62 y.o. patient that has had a liver biopsy. Which of the following groups of signs alert you to a possible pneumothorax?
- A. Dyspnea and reduced or absent breath sounds over the right lung
- B. Tachycardia, hypotension, and cool, clammy skin
- C. Fever, rebound tenderness, and abdominal rigidity
- D. Redness, warmth, and drainage at the biopsy site
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Dyspnea and reduced or absent breath sounds over the right lung are signs of a possible pneumothorax.
3. The student nurse is preparing a teaching care plan to help improve nutrition in a patient with achalasia. You include which of the following:
- A. Swallow foods while leaning forward.
- B. Omit fluids at mealtimes.
- C. Eat meals sitting upright.
- D. Avoid soft and semisoft foods.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Eating meals while sitting upright helps improve swallowing and prevent complications in patients with achalasia.
4. Which of the following nursing interventions should have the highest priority during the first hour after the admission of a client with cholecystitis who is experiencing pain, nausea, and vomiting?
- A. Administering pain medication.
- B. Completing the admission history.
- C. Maintaining hydration.
- D. Teaching about planned diagnostic tests.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Administering pain medication would have the highest priority during the first hour after the client's admission. Pain relief is essential to address the client's immediate discomfort and distress. Completing the admission history, maintaining hydration, and teaching about planned diagnostic tests are important aspects of care but can be addressed after addressing the client's pain and stabilizing their condition.
5. The client being seen in a physician’s office has just been scheduled for a barium swallow the next day. The nurse writes down which of the following instructions for the client to follow before the test?
- A. Fast for 8 hours before the test
- B. Eat a regular supper and breakfast
- C. Continue to take all oral medications as scheduled.
- D. Monitor own bowel movement pattern for constipation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Fasting for 8 hours ensures that the stomach is empty, which is necessary for an accurate barium swallow test.
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