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. You’re preparing a patient with a malignant tumor for colorectal surgery and subsequent colostomy. The patient tells you he’s anxious. What should your initial step be in working with this patient?
- A. Determine what the patient already knows about colostomies.
- B. Show the patient some pictures of colostomies.
- C. Arrange for someone who has a colostomy to visit the patient.
- D. Provide the patient with written material about colostomy care.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a patient with a malignant tumor is anxious about colorectal surgery and a colostomy, the initial step is to determine what the patient already knows about colostomies.
3. A client’s ulcerative colitis symptoms have been present for longer than 1 week. The nurse recognizes that the client should be assessed carefully for signs of which of the following complications?
- A. Heart failure
- B. DVT
- C. Hypokalemia
- D. Hypocalcemia
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client should be assessed carefully for signs of hypokalemia, a common complication of prolonged ulcerative colitis symptoms.
4. 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?
- A. Restricting pain medication
- B. Maintaining bedrest
- C. Avoiding coughing
- D. Irrigating the drain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bedrest is not required following this surgical procedure. The client should take analgesics as needed and as prescribed to control pain. A drain is not used in this surgical procedure, although the client may be instructed in simple dressing changes. Coughing is avoided to prevent disruption of the tissue integrity, which can occur because of the location of this surgical procedure.
5. Janice is waiting for discharge instructions after her herniorrhaphy. Which of the following instructions do you include?
- A. Eat a low-fiber diet.
- B. Resume heavy lifting in 2 weeks.
- C. Lose weight, if obese.
- D. Resume sexual activity once discomfort is gone.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Advise the patient to lose weight if obese to reduce the risk of complications after herniorrhaphy.
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