ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. A nurse orientee is preparing to insert a nasogastric tube, and a nurse educator is observing the procedure. Which of the following supplies if obtained by the nurse orientee would indicate a need for further education regarding this procedure?
- A. Half-inch or one-inch tape
- B. Oil-soluble lubricant
- C. A glass of tap water with a straw
- D. A 50-mL catheter tip syringe
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Water-soluble lubricant is used to lubricate 3 to 4 inches of the tube at the insertion end. An oil lubricant is not used because if the tube accidentally goes into the bronchus, pneumonia can develop. Half-inch tape is used to secure the tube after the correct placement is verified. A 50-mL catheter tip syringe is used to aspirate gastric contents to confirm placement. The client will be asked to take a sip of water through a straw to help with the passage of the tube.
2. 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.
3. Your teaching Anthony how to use his new colostomy. How much skin should remain exposed between the stoma and the ring of the appliance?
- A. 1/16”
- B. 1/4″
- C. 1/2”
- D. 1”
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When teaching a patient how to use a colostomy, only 1/16” of skin should remain exposed between the stoma and the ring of the appliance to prevent skin irritation.
4. You’re caring for Lewis, a 67 y.o. patient with liver cirrhosis who develops ascites and requires paracentesis. Relief of which symptom indicated that the paracentesis was effective?
- A. Pruritus
- B. Dyspnea
- C. Jaundice
- D. Peripheral Neuropathy
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Dyspnea relief indicates that the paracentesis was effective in reducing ascites.
5. You have a patient with achalasia (incomplete muscle relaxation of the GI tract, especially sphincter muscles). Which medications do you anticipate to administer?
- A. Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)
- B. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- C. Captopril (Capoten)
- D. Propanolol (Inderal)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) is a medication used to relax the muscles of the GI tract in patients with achalasia.
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