ATI RN
ATI Gastrointestinal System
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. The client with Crohn’s disease has a nursing diagnosis of acute pain. The nurse would teach the client to avoid which of the following in managing this problem?
- A. Lying supine with the legs straight
- B. Massaging the abdomen
- C. Using antispasmodic medication
- D. Using relaxation techniques
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Lying supine with the legs straight can increase abdominal tension and exacerbate pain. The client should be advised to lie with the legs bent to reduce muscle tension and discomfort.
4. The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of cirrhosis and is monitoring the client for signs of portal hypertension. Which initial sign, if noted in the client, indicates the presence of portal hypertension?
- A. Flat neck veins
- B. Hypotension
- C. Weak pulse
- D. Crackles on auscultation of the lungs
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Clinical signs and symptoms or portal hypertension are identical to those of heart failure and include jugular vein distention, lung crackles, and decreased perfusion to all organs. Initially, the client may have hypertension, flushed skin, and a bounding pulse.
5. The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which finding, if noted on assessment of the client, would the nurse report to the physician?
- A. Bloody diarrhea
- B. Hypotension
- C. A hemoglobin of 12 mg/dL
- D. Rebound tenderness
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritonitis, a serious complication that needs to be reported to the physician immediately.
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