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. Brenda, a 36 y.o. patient is on your floor with acute pancreatitis. Treatment for her includes:
- A. Continuous peritoneal lavage.
- B. Regular diet with increased fat.
- C. Nutritional support with TPN.
- D. Insertion of a T tube to drain the pancreas.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Treatment for acute pancreatitis includes nutritional support with TPN.
3. The client is admitted to the hospital with viral hepatitis, complaining of 'no appetite' and 'losing my taste for food.' To provide adequate nutrition, the nurse would instruct the client to
- A. Eat a good supper when anorexia is not as severe.
- B. Eat less often, preferably only three large meals daily.
- C. Increase intake of fluids including juices.
- D. Select foods high in fat.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Although no special diet is required to treat viral hepatitis, it is generally recommended that clients consume a diet with low-fat content because fat may be tolerated poorly due to decreased bile production. Small, frequent meals are preferable and may prevent nausea. Appetite is often better in the morning, so it is easier to eat a good breakfast. An adequate fluid intake of 2500 to 3000 mL per day that includes nutritional juices is also important.
4. 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.
5. Which of the following would be an expected nutritional outcome for a client who has undergone a subtotal gastrectomy for cancer?
- A. Regain weight loss within 1 month after surgery
- B. Resume normal dietary intake of three meals per day
- C. Control nausea and vomiting through regular use of antiemetics
- D. Achieve optimal nutritional status through oral or parenteral feedings
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Achieving optimal nutritional status through oral or parenteral feedings is an expected nutritional outcome for a client who has undergone a subtotal gastrectomy for cancer.
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