ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. Before administering an intermittent tube feeding through a nasogastric tube, the nurse assesses for gastric residual. The nurse understands that this procedure is important to
- A. Confirm proper nasogastric tube placement.
- B. Observe gastric contents.
- C. Assess fluid and electrolyte status.
- D. Evaluate absorption of the last feeding.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Evaluating the absorption of the last feeding is important because administration of a tube feeding to a full stomach could result in overdistention, thus predisposing the client to regurgitation and possible aspiration.
2. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and is monitoring the client for signs of portal hypertension. Which initial sign, if noted in the client, indicates the presence of portal hypertension?
- A. Flat neck veins
- B. Hypotension
- C. Weak pulse
- D. Crackles on auscultation of the lungs
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Clinical signs and symptoms or portal hypertension are identical to those of heart failure and include jugular vein distention, lung crackles, and decreased perfusion to all organs. Initially, the client may have hypertension, flushed skin, and a bounding pulse.
3. George has a T tube in place after gallbladder surgery. Before discharge, what information or instructions should be given regarding the T tube drainage?
- A. If there is any drainage, notify the surgeon immediately.
- B. The drainage will decrease daily until the bile duct heals.
- C. First, the drainage is dark green; then it becomes dark yellow.
- D. If the drainage stops, milk the tube toward the puncture wound.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Before discharge, inform the patient that the drainage will decrease daily until the bile duct heals.
4. Stephen is a 62 y.o. patient that has had a liver biopsy. Which of the following groups of signs alert you to a possible pneumothorax?
- A. Dyspnea and reduced or absent breath sounds over the right lung
- B. Tachycardia, hypotension, and cool, clammy skin
- C. Fever, rebound tenderness, and abdominal rigidity
- D. Redness, warmth, and drainage at the biopsy site
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Dyspnea and reduced or absent breath sounds over the right lung are signs of a possible pneumothorax.
5. When assessing the client with celiac disease, the nurse can expect to find which of the following?
- A. Steatorrhea
- B. Jaundiced sclerae
- C. Clay-colored stools
- D. Widened pulse pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Because celiac disease destroys the absorbing surface of the intestine, fat isn't absorbed but is passed in the stool. Steatorrhea is bulky, fatty stools that have a foul odor. Jaundiced sclerae result from elevated bilirubin levels. Clay-colored stools are seen with biliary disease when bile flow is blocked. Celiac disease doesn't cause a widened pulse pressure.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access