ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse is caring for a client who underwent a subtotal gastrectomy. To manage dumping syndrome, the nurse should advise the client to:
- A. restrict fluid intake to 1 qt (1,000 ml)/day.
- B. drink liquids only with meals.
- C. don't drink liquids 2 hours before meals.
- D. drink liquids only between meals.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A client who experiences dumping syndrome after a subtotal gastrectomy should be advised to ingest liquids between meals rather than with meals. Taking fluids between meals allows for adequate hydration, reduces the amount of bulk ingested with meals, and aids in preventing rapid gastric emptying. There is no need to restrict the amount of fluids, just the time when the client drinks fluids. Drinking liquids with meals increases the risk of dumping syndrome by increasing the amount of bulk and stimulating rapid gastric emptying. Small amounts of water are allowable before meals.
2. A client with liver dysfunction has low serum levels of thrombin. The nurse provides care, anticipating that this client is most at risk of
- A. Dehydration
- B. Malnutrition
- C. Bleeding
- D. Infection
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Thrombin is produced by the liver and is necessary for normal clotting. When a client with liver dysfunction has low serum levels of thrombin, they are at risk of bleeding due to impaired clotting mechanisms. Dehydration (choice A) is not directly related to low thrombin levels. Malnutrition (choice B) may impact overall health but is not the most immediate concern associated with low thrombin levels. Infection (choice D) is not directly related to the clotting function affected by low thrombin levels.
3. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Bloody diarrhea
- B. Fatty stools
- C. Weight gain
- D. High fever
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Clients with Crohn's disease often experience fatty stools (steatorrhea) due to malabsorption of fats. This occurs because the inflammation caused by Crohn's disease can affect the small intestine, impairing the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Bloody diarrhea is more commonly associated with ulcerative colitis. Weight gain is not a typical symptom of Crohn's disease; instead, weight loss is more common due to malabsorption and decreased appetite. High fever can occur during acute flare-ups but is not a primary finding of Crohn's disease.
4. A client has been taking aluminum hydroxide 30 mL six times per day at home to treat his peptic ulcer. He tells the nurse that he has been unable to have a bowel movement for 3 days. Based on this information, the nurse would determine that which of the following is the most likely cause of the client’s constipation?
- A. The client has not been including enough fiber in his diet
- B. The client needs to increase his daily exercise
- C. The client is experiencing a side effect of the aluminum hydroxide.
- D. The client has developed a gastrointestinal obstruction.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client is experiencing a common side effect of aluminum hydroxide, which is constipation.
5. During the first few days of recovery from ostomy surgery for ulcerative colitis, which of the following aspects should be the first priority of client care?
- A. Body image
- B. Ostomy care
- C. Sexual concerns
- D. Skin care
Correct answer: D
Rationale: During the initial recovery period from ostomy surgery, skin care is the first priority to prevent irritation and infection around the stoma site.
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