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. A client is admitted to the hospital after vomiting bright red blood and is diagnosed with a bleeding duodenal ulcer. The client develops a sudden, sharp pain in the midepigastric area along with a rigid, boardlike abdomen. These clinical manifestations most likely indicate which of the following?
- A. An intestinal obstruction has developed
- B. Additional ulcers have developed
- C. The esophagus has become inflamed
- D. The ulcer has perforated
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A sudden, sharp pain in the midepigastric area along with a rigid, boardlike abdomen indicates that the ulcer has perforated.
3. A client with viral hepatitis has no appetite, and food makes the client nauseated. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate?
- A. Explain that high-fat diets usually are tolerated better.
- B. Encourage intake of foods high in protein.
- C. Explain that the majority of calories need to be consumed in the evening hours.
- D. Monitor for fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: If nausea occurs and persists, the client will need to be assessed for fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Explaining to the client that the majority of calories should be eaten in the morning hours is important because nausea occurs most often in the afternoon and evening. Clients should select a diet high in calories because energy is required for healing. Protein increases the workload on the liver. Changes in bilirubin interfere with fat absorption, so low-fat diets are tolerated better.
4. You’re caring for Lewis, a 67 y.o. patient with liver cirrhosis who develops ascites and requires paracentesis. Relief of which symptom indicated that the paracentesis was effective?
- A. Pruritus
- B. Dyspnea
- C. Jaundice
- D. Peripheral Neuropathy
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Dyspnea relief indicates that the paracentesis was effective in reducing ascites.
5. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Bloody diarrhea
- B. Fatty stools
- C. Weight gain
- D. High fever
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Clients with Crohn's disease often experience fatty stools (steatorrhea) due to malabsorption of fats. This occurs because the inflammation caused by Crohn's disease can affect the small intestine, impairing the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Bloody diarrhea is more commonly associated with ulcerative colitis. Weight gain is not a typical symptom of Crohn's disease; instead, weight loss is more common due to malabsorption and decreased appetite. High fever can occur during acute flare-ups but is not a primary finding of Crohn's disease.
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