ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse aspirates 40 mL of undigested formula from the client’s nasogastric tube. Before administering an intermittent tube feeding, the nurse understands that the 40 mL of gastric aspirate should be
- A. Discarded properly and recorded as output on the client’s intake and output record.
- B. Poured into the nasogastric tube through a syringe with the plunger removed.
- C. Mixed with the formula and poured into the nasogastric tube through a syringe with the plunger removed.
- D. Diluted with water and injected into the nasogastric tube by putting pressure on the plunger.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: After checking the residual feeding contents, the gastric contents are reinstalled into the stomach by removing the syringe bulb or plunger and pouring the gastric contents into the syringe and through the nasogastric tube. Gastric contents should be reinstalled to maintain the client’s electrolyte balance. The gastric contents should be poured into the nasogastric tube through a syringe without a plunger and not injected by putting pressure on the plunger. Gastric contents do not need to be mixed with water or should the contents be discarded.
2. Which of the following symptoms is a client with colon cancer most likely to exhibit?
- A. A change in appetite
- B. A change in bowel habits
- C. An increase in body weight
- D. An increase in body temperature
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A change in bowel habits is the most common symptom of colon cancer.
3. Which of the following mechanisms can facilitate the development of diverticulosis into diverticulitis?
- A. Treating constipation with chronic laxative use, leading to dependence on laxatives
- B. Chronic constipation causing an obstruction, reducing forward flow of intestinal contents
- C. Herniation of the intestinal mucosa, rupturing the wall of the intestine
- D. Undigested food blocking the diverticulum, predisposing the area to bacterial invasion
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Undigested food blocking the diverticulum can lead to bacterial invasion, causing inflammation and turning diverticulosis into diverticulitis. Choices A, B, and C do not directly facilitate the development of diverticulitis. Choice A involves a different mechanism related to laxative use, choice B describes a complication of chronic constipation but does not necessarily lead to diverticulitis, and choice C refers to a different condition involving herniation of the intestinal mucosa.
4. A patient with chronic alcohol abuse is admitted with liver failure. You closely monitor the patient’s blood pressure because of which change that is associated with the liver failure?
- A. Hypoalbuminemia
- B. Increased capillary permeability
- C. Abnormal peripheral vasodilation
- D. Excess rennin release from the kidneys
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Abnormal peripheral vasodilation is a change associated with liver failure that requires close monitoring of the patient's blood pressure.
5. You have to teach ostomy self care to a patient with a colostomy. You tell the patient to measure and cut the wafer:
- A. To the exact size of the stoma.
- B. About 1/16” larger than the stoma.
- C. About 1/8” larger than the stoma.
- D. About 1/4″ larger than the stoma.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The wafer should be measured and cut about 1/8” larger than the stoma to ensure proper fit and prevent skin irritation.
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