ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The client has had a new colostomy created 2 days earlier. The client is beginning to pass malodorous flatus from the stoma. The nurse interprets that
- A. This indicates inadequate preoperative bowel preparation.
- B. This is a normal, expected event.
- C. The client is experiencing early signs of ischemic bowel.
- D. The client should not have the nasogastric tube removed.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: As peristalsis returns following creation of a colostomy, the client begins to pass malodorous flatus. This indicates returning bowel function and is an expected event. Within 72 hours of surgery, the client should begin passing stool via the colostomy.
2. Which of the following symptoms would a client in the early stages of peritonitis exhibit?
- A. Abdominal distention
- B. Abdominal pain and rigidity
- C. Hyperactive bowel sounds
- D. Right upper quadrant pain
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the early stages of peritonitis, the client would exhibit abdominal pain and rigidity due to inflammation.
3. Which of the following activities should the nurse encourage the client with a peptic ulcer to avoid?
- A. Chewing gum.
- B. Smoking cigarettes.
- C. Eating chocolate.
- D. Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Cigarette smoking should be avoided because of its stimulatory effect on gastric secretions. Nicotine also increases the release of epinephrine, which leads to vasoconstriction. The client may chew gum if desired. The client may eat chocolate if desired. A client with a peptic ulcer should check with the physician before taking any over-the-counter drug, but acetaminophen does not typically cause gastric irritation.
4. A client with irritable bowel syndrome is being prepared for discharge. Which of the following meal plans should the nurse give the client?
- A. Low fiber, low-fat
- B. High fiber, low-fat
- C. Low fiber, high-fat
- D. High-fiber, high-fat
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A high fiber, low-fat diet is recommended for clients with irritable bowel syndrome to promote bowel regularity and reduce symptoms.
5. The nurse develops a plan of care for a client with a T tube. Which one of the following nursing interventions should be included?
- A. Inspect skin around the T tube daily for irritation.
- B. Irrigate the T tube every 4 hours to maintain patency.
- C. Maintain the client in a supine position while the T tube is in place.
- D. Keep the T tube clamped except during mealtimes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct nursing intervention to include in the plan of care for a client with a T tube is to inspect the skin around the T tube daily for irritation. Bile is erosive and can cause skin irritation, so it is crucial to keep the skin clean and dry. T tubes are not routinely irrigated; irrigation is done only with a physician's order. It is unnecessary to maintain the client in a supine position; instead, assist the client into a position of comfort. T tubes are not typically clamped unless ordered by a physician, and if clamped, it is usually done 1 to 2 hours before and after meals.
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