the nurse is caring for a client admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of acute appendicitis which of the following laboratory results w
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions

1. The nurse is caring for a client admitted to the hospital with a suspected diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Which of the following laboratory results would the nurse expect to note if the client indeed has appendicitis?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Laboratory findings do not establish the diagnosis of appendicitis, but often moderate elevation of the white blood cell count (leukocytosis) to 10,000 to 18,000 cells/mm3 occurs with a “shift to the left” (an increased number of immature white blood cells.).

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?

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. Which of the following tests should be administered to a client suspected of having diverticulosis?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A barium enema is a diagnostic test used to visualize the colon and can help diagnose diverticulosis.

4. A client with rectal cancer may exhibit which of the following symptoms?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Rectal bleeding is a common symptom in clients with rectal cancer.

5. The nurse is performing an assessment on a client with acute pancreatitis who was admitted to the hospital. Which of the following assessment questions most specifically would elicit information regarding the pain that is associated with acute pancreatitis?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The pain that is associated with acute pancreatitis is often severe and is located in the epigastric region and radiates to the back. Options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect because they are not specific for the pain experienced by the client with pancreatitis.

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