a penrose drain is in place on the first postoperative day following a cholecystectomy serosanguineous drainage is noted on the dressing covering the
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions

1. A Penrose drain is in place on the first postoperative day following a cholecystectomy. Serosanguineous drainage is noted on the dressing covering the drain. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Serosanguineous drainage with a small amount of bile is expected from the Penrose drain for the first 24 hours. Drainage then decreases, and the drain is removed usually within 48 hours. The nurse does not need to notify the physician. A sterile dressing covers the site and should be changed to prevent infection and skin excoriation.

2. Which of the following tests should be administered to a client suspected of having diverticulosis?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A barium enema is a diagnostic test used to visualize the colon and can help diagnose diverticulosis.

3. Which of the following techniques would the nurse use first to determine if a nasogastric tube is positioned in the stomach?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The initial way to determine if a nasogastric tube is in the stomach is to apply suction to the tube with a syringe and observe for the return of stomach contents. Then the pH of the aspirate can be measured. This is the method of choice. One would not irrigate until tube placement is confirmed. Observing for air bubbles when the free end of the tube is placed under water is an unacceptable, unsafe method of determining tube placement. Another method is to instill air into the tube with a syringe while auscultating over the epigastric area. Hearing the air enter the stomach helps ensure proper placement, but the method is not foolproof and is no longer considered an effective or preferred way to determine placement.

4. Which of the following would be an expected nutritional outcome for a client who has undergone a subtotal gastrectomy for cancer?

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.

5. Claire, a 33 y.o. is on your floor with a possible bowel obstruction. Which intervention is priority for her?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: For a patient with a possible bowel obstruction, measuring abdominal girth is a priority to monitor for signs of worsening obstruction or distention.

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