ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A nurse is reviewing the orders of a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Select the interventions that the nurse would expect to be prescribed for the client.
- A. Small, frequent high-calorie feedings.
- B. Meperidine (Demerol) as prescribed for pain.
- C. Place the client in a side-lying position with the head elevated 45-degrees.
- D. Administer antacids and anticholinergics to suppress gastrointestinal secretions.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with acute pancreatitis is to prescribe pain medications such as meperidine to manage the abdominal pain, which is a prominent symptom of the condition. The other options are incorrect because: A) Clients with acute pancreatitis are normally placed on NPO (nothing by mouth) status to rest the pancreas, so small, frequent high-calorie feedings are not indicated. C) Placing the client in a side-lying position with the head elevated 45-degrees helps decrease tension on the abdomen and may ease pain, but it is not a standard intervention for acute pancreatitis. D) Administering antacids and anticholinergics to suppress gastrointestinal secretions is not a routine intervention for acute pancreatitis.
2. Which of the following associated disorders may a client with ulcerative colitis exhibit?
- A. Gallstones
- B. Hydronephrosis
- C. Nephrolithiasis
- D. Toxic megacolon
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Toxic megacolon is a severe complication that may be exhibited by a client with ulcerative colitis.
3. Which of the following conditions can cause a hiatal hernia?
- A. Increased intrathoracic pressure
- B. Weakness of the esophageal muscle
- C. Increased esophageal muscle pressure
- D. Weakness of the diaphragmic muscle
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Weakness of the diaphragmic muscle can lead to a hiatal hernia as it allows part of the stomach to push through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
4. You’re doing preoperative teaching with Gertrude who has ulcerative colitis who needs surgery to create an ileoanal reservoir. Which information do you include?
- A. A reservoir is created that exits through the abdominal wall.
- B. A second surgery is required 12 months after the first surgery.
- C. A permanent ileostomy is created.
- D. The surgery occurs in two stages.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The surgery to create an ileoanal reservoir occurs in two stages.
5. A client with rectal cancer may exhibit which of the following symptoms?
- A. Abdominal fullness
- B. Gastric fullness
- C. Rectal bleeding
- D. Right upper quadrant pain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Rectal bleeding is a common symptom in clients with rectal cancer.
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