ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The client is admitted to the hospital with viral hepatitis, complaining of 'no appetite' and 'losing my taste for food.' To provide adequate nutrition, the nurse would instruct the client to
- A. Eat a good supper when anorexia is not as severe.
- B. Eat less often, preferably only three large meals daily.
- C. Increase intake of fluids including juices.
- D. Select foods high in fat.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Although no special diet is required to treat viral hepatitis, it is generally recommended that clients consume a diet with low-fat content because fat may be tolerated poorly due to decreased bile production. Small, frequent meals are preferable and may prevent nausea. Appetite is often better in the morning, so it is easier to eat a good breakfast. An adequate fluid intake of 2500 to 3000 mL per day that includes nutritional juices is also important.
2. 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.
3. A client returns from surgery with a sigmoid colostomy. An ostomy appliance is attached. The priority nursing diagnosis for daily observation and care is:
- A. Diarrhea related to alteration in bowel elimination.
- B. Impaired skin integrity related to seepage.
- C. Impaired nutrition: More than body requirements related to high-fat diet.
- D. Impaired physical mobility related to surgical procedure.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Impaired skin integrity would be the priority nursing diagnosis for daily care of the colostomy because the effluent from the colostomy can be irritating to the skin. Diarrhea isn't a concern at this point. The client will be allowed nothing by mouth until peristalsis returns. The client should get out of bed on the first postoperative day, so mobility shouldn't be a problem.
4. Which of the following tests should be administered to a client suspected of having diverticulosis?
- A. Abdominal ultrasound
- B. Barium enema
- C. Barium swallow
- D. Gastroscopy
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A barium enema is a diagnostic test used to visualize the colon and can help diagnose diverticulosis.
5. Your patient has a GI tract that is functioning, but has the inability to swallow foods. Which is the preferred method of feeding for your patient?
- A. TPN
- B. PPN
- C. NG feeding
- D. Oral liquid supplements
Correct answer: C
Rationale: NG feeding is the preferred method for patients with a functioning GI tract but an inability to swallow foods.
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