ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse is caring for a client following a Billroth II procedure. On review of the postoperative orders, which of the following if prescribed, should the nurse question and verify?
- A. Irrigating the nasogastric tube
- B. Coughing and deep breathing exercises
- C. Leg exercises
- D. Early ambulation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In a Billroth II procedure the proximal remnant of the stomach is anastomosed to the proximal jejunum. Patency of the nasogastric tube is critical for preventing the retention of gastric secretions. The nurse should never irrigate or reposition the gastric tube after gastric surgery, unless specifically ordered by the physician. In this situation the nurse should clarify the order. Coughing and deep breathing exercises, leg exercises, and early ambulation are appropriate postoperative interventions.
2. You have a patient with achalasia (incomplete muscle relaxation of the GI tract, especially sphincter muscles). Which medications do you anticipate to administer?
- A. Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil)
- B. Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- C. Captopril (Capoten)
- D. Propanolol (Inderal)
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil) is a medication used to relax the muscles of the GI tract in patients with achalasia.
3. You promote hemodynamic stability in a patient with upper GI bleeding by:
- A. Encouraging oral fluid intake.
- B. Monitoring central venous pressure.
- C. Monitoring laboratory test results and vital signs.
- D. Giving blood, electrolyte and fluid replacement.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Promoting hemodynamic stability in a patient with upper GI bleeding involves giving blood, electrolyte, and fluid replacement.
4. Which of the following treatments is used for rectal cancer but not for colon cancer?
- A. Chemotherapy
- B. Colonoscopy
- C. Radiation
- D. Surgical resection
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Radiation therapy is commonly used for rectal cancer to shrink the tumor before surgery, which is not typically done for colon cancer.
5. The nurse is performing a colostomy irrigation on a client. During the irrigation, a client begins to complain of abdominal cramps. Which of the following is the most appropriate nursing action?
- A. Notify the physician
- B. Increase the height of the irrigation
- C. Stop the irrigation temporarily.
- D. Medicate with dilaudid and resume the irrigation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: If a client experiences abdominal cramps during a colostomy irrigation, it is appropriate to stop the irrigation temporarily to allow the cramps to subside.
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