ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse is assessing a 71-year-old female client with ulcerative colitis. Which assessment finding related to the family will have the greatest impact on the client's rehabilitation after discharge?
- A. The family's ability to take care of the client's special diet needs
- B. The family's expectation that the client will resume responsibilities and role-related activities
- C. Emotional support from the family
- D. The family's ability to understand the ups and downs of the illness
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Emotional support from the family is the main need. A special diet doesn't focus on emotional needs. Role expectations don't address the main issue, but emotional support while the client is fulfilling these roles is important. The family's ability to understand the ups and downs of the illness will help them but not the client.
2. You’re caring for Beth who underwent a Billroth II procedure (surgical removal of the pylorus and duodenum) for treatment of a peptic ulcer. Which findings suggest that the patient is developing dumping syndrome, a complication associated with this procedure?
- A. Flushed, dry skin.
- B. Headache and bradycardia.
- C. Dizziness and sweating.
- D. Dyspnea and chest pain.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Dizziness and sweating are common signs of dumping syndrome, a complication of the Billroth II procedure.
3. The nurse has given instructions to the client with an ileostomy about foods to eat to thicken the stool. The nurse determines that the client needs further instructions if the client stated to eat which of the following foods to make the stools less watery?
- A. Pasta
- B. Boiled rice
- C. Bran
- D. Low-fat cheese
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bran is high in fiber and should not be consumed to thicken the stool as it will make the stools more watery.
4. If a client had irritable bowel syndrome, which of the following diagnostic tests would determine if the diagnosis is Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis?
- A. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan
- B. Abdominal x-ray
- C. Barium swallow
- D. Colonoscopy with biopsy
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A colonoscopy with biopsy is the most definitive diagnostic test to differentiate between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
5. You’re patient is complaining of abdominal pain during assessment. What is your priority?
- A. Auscultate to determine changes in bowel sounds.
- B. Observe the contour of the abdomen.
- C. Palpate the abdomen for a mass.
- D. Percuss the abdomen to determine if fluid is present.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When a patient is complaining of abdominal pain, the priority is to auscultate to determine changes in bowel sounds.
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