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. The client with ascites is scheduled for a paracentesis. The nurse is assisting the physician in performing the procedure. Which of the following positions will the nurse assist the client to assume for this procedure?
- A. Supine
- B. Left side-lying
- C. Right side-lying
- D. Upright position.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: An upright position allows the intestine to float posteriorly and helps prevent intestinal laceration during catheter insertion.
3. The nurse is reviewing the record of a client with Crohn’s disease. Which of the following stool characteristics would the nurse expect to note documented in the client’s record?
- A. Chronic constipation
- B. Diarrhea
- C. Constipation alternating with diarrhea
- D. Stool constantly oozing from the rectum
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Crohn’s disease is characterized by nonbloody diarrhea of usually not more than four to five stools daily. Over time, the diarrhea episodes increase in frequency, duration, and severity. Chronic constipation (Choice A), constipation alternating with diarrhea (Choice C), and stool constantly oozing from the rectum (Choice D) are not characteristics typically associated with Crohn’s disease.
4. The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which finding, if noted on assessment of the client, would the nurse report to the physician?
- A. Bloody diarrhea
- B. Hypotension
- C. A hemoglobin of 12 mg/dL
- D. Rebound tenderness
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritonitis, a serious complication that needs to be reported to the physician immediately.
5. Which stoma would you expect a malodorous, enzyme-rich, caustic liquid output that is yellow, green, or brown?
- A. Ileostomy.
- B. Ascending colostomy.
- C. Transverse colostomy.
- D. Descending colostomy.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: An ileostomy would have a malodorous, enzyme-rich, caustic liquid output that is yellow, green, or brown.
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