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. The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client following gastrectomy. Which measure will the nurse instruct the client to follow to assist in preventing dumping syndrome?
- A. Eat high-carbohydrate foods
- B. Limit the fluids taken with meals
- C. Ambulate following a meal
- D. Sit in a high-Fowlers position during meals
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To prevent dumping syndrome after a gastrectomy, it is recommended to limit fluids taken with meals to slow down gastric emptying and reduce the symptoms.
3. 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.
4. Arthur has a family history of colon cancer and is scheduled to have a sigmoidoscopy. He is crying as he tells you, “I know that I have colon cancer, too.” Which response is most therapeutic?
- A. I know just how you feel.
- B. You seem upset.
- C. Oh, don’t worry about it, everything will be just fine.
- D. Why do you think you have cancer?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Acknowledging the patient's emotions with 'You seem upset' is the most therapeutic response.
5. A client with viral hepatitis states, 'I am so yellow.' The nurse most appropriately would
- A. Assist the client in expressing feelings.
- B. Do most of the activities of daily living for the client.
- C. Provide information to the client only when the client requests it.
- D. Restrict visitors until the jaundice subsides.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To assist the client in adapting to changes in appearance, the nurse must encourage participation in self-care to foster independence and self-esteem. The nurse should encourage the client to ask questions to clarify misconceptions, learn ways to prevent the spread of hepatitis to reduce fear, and make appropriate decisions. Restricting visitors will reinforce the client’s negative self-esteem.
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