ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. Of the following signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction, which is related primarily to small bowel obstruction rather than large bowel obstruction?
- A. Profuse vomiting.
- B. Cramping abdominal pain.
- C. Abdominal distention.
- D. High-pitched bowel sounds above the obstruction.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Profuse vomiting is the classic sign of small bowel obstruction and rarely occurs with large bowel obstruction. Abdominal discomfort and distention are present in both small and large bowel obstructions, but distention is more common in large bowel obstruction. High-pitched bowel sounds indicate hyperperistalsis, which occurs early in obstruction.
2. Nathaniel has severe pruritus due to having hepatitis B. What is the best intervention for his comfort?
- A. Give tepid baths.
- B. Avoid lotions and creams.
- C. Use hot water to increase vasodilation.
- D. Use cold water to decrease the itching.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Giving tepid baths can help soothe severe pruritus due to hepatitis B.
3. In a client with diarrhea, which outcome indicates that fluid resuscitation is successful?
- A. The client passes formed stools at regular intervals
- B. The client reports a decrease in stool frequency and liquidity
- C. The client exhibits firm skin turgor
- D. The client no longer experiences perianal burning
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Firm skin turgor indicates adequate hydration, which is a key goal of fluid resuscitation. Formed stools, decreased stool frequency, and relief from perianal burning are important but do not directly indicate successful fluid resuscitation.
4. You’re patient, post-op drainage of a pelvic abscess secondary to diverticulitis, begins to cough violently after drinking water. His wound has ruptured and a small segment of the bowel is protruding. What’s your priority?
- A. Ask the patient what happened, call the doctor, and cover the area with a water-soaked bedsheet.
- B. Obtain vital signs, call the doctor, and obtain emergency orders.
- C. Have a CAN hold the wound together while you obtain vital signs, call the doctor and flex the patient’s knees.
- D. Have the doctor called while you remain with the patient, flex the patient’s knees, and cover the wound with sterile towels soaked in sterile saline solution.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: For a patient with a ruptured wound and protruding bowel, call the doctor while remaining with the patient, flex the patient’s knees, and cover the wound with sterile towels soaked in sterile saline solution.
5. Which of the following substances is most likely to cause gastritis?
- A. Milk
- B. Bicarbonate of soda or baking soda
- C. Enteric-coated aspirin
- D. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs are known to cause gastritis by irritating the stomach lining. Choice A, Milk, is unlikely to cause gastritis and is actually a common remedy for mild gastritis symptoms. Choice B, Bicarbonate of soda or baking soda, is often used to relieve heartburn and indigestion, not cause gastritis. Choice C, Enteric-coated aspirin, is less likely to cause gastritis compared to NSAIDs because the enteric coating helps protect the stomach lining from irritation.
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