ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The client with a colostomy has an order for irrigation of the colostomy. The nurse uses which solution for the irrigation?
- A. Distilled water
- B. Tap water
- C. Sterile water
- D. Lactated Ringer’s
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct solution to use for the irrigation of a colostomy is warm tap water or saline solution. If tap water is not suitable for drinking, bottled water can be used. Distilled water, sterile water, and Lactated Ringer’s are not appropriate solutions for colostomy irrigation. Distilled water lacks essential minerals, sterile water may not provide adequate cleaning, and Lactated Ringer’s is not indicated for this procedure.
2. Your patient with peritonitis is NPO and complaining of thirst. What is your priority?
- A. Increase the I.V. infusion rate.
- B. Use diversion activities.
- C. Provide frequent mouth care.
- D. Give ice chips every 15 minutes.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Providing frequent mouth care is the priority for a patient with peritonitis who is NPO and complaining of thirst.
3. The physician orders a Salem sump tube for gastrointestinal intubation. The nurse prepares for the insertion and obtains which of the following items from the supply room?
- A. A tube with a single lumen that connects to suction
- B. A tube with a large lumen and an air vent
- C. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube
- D. A Dobbhoff weighted tube
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A tube with a large lumen and an air vent is a Salem sump tube. A tube with a single lumen is called a Levin’s tube. A Sengstaken-Blakemore tube is used to control bleeding in the esophagus. A Dobbhoff weighted tube is used for feedings.
4. When preparing the client with hepatitis A for extended convalescence, the nurse teaches the client about problems that may occur. The nurse knows that the client has understood the teaching when he says that he is most likely to have difficulty:
- A. Controlling abdominal pain.
- B. Maintaining a regular bowel elimination pattern.
- C. Preventing respiratory complications.
- D. Maintaining a positive, optimistic outlook.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Convalescence after hepatitis A may take weeks or even months. Boredom and depression are common problems that the client should anticipate. Abdominal pain is not usually a symptom of hepatitis A. Maintaining a regular bowel elimination pattern is not usually a problem with hepatitis. Problems preventing respiratory complications are unlikely. To support healing, activity is strictly limited but bed rest is not prescribed.
5. You have a patient with achalasia (incomplete muscle relaxation of the GI tract, especially sphincter muscles). Which medications do you anticipate to administer?
- A. Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)
- B. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- C. Captopril (Capoten)
- D. Propanolol (Inderal)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) is a medication used to relax the muscles of the GI tract in patients with achalasia.
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