ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse is caring for a client with an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis. Which of the following nursing measures should be included in the client's plan of care?
- A. Encourage regular use of antidiarrheal medications.
- B. Incorporate frequent rest periods into the client's schedule.
- C. Have the client maintain a high-fiber diet.
- D. Wear a gown when providing direct client care.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: It is important for the client to have frequent rest periods. Repeated episodes of diarrhea interrupt sleep patterns, and poor nutrition may also cause the client to feel weak. If the client is experiencing a severe exacerbation of ulcerative colitis, bed rest may be ordered. Antidiarrheal medications can be used selectively in ulcerative colitis but are not recommended for regular use as they can lead to colonic dilation. The client should maintain a low-residue, high-calorie, caffeine-free diet.
2. When a client has peptic ulcer disease, the nurse would expect a priority intervention to be:
- A. Assisting in inserting a Miller-Abbott tube
- B. Assisting in inserting an arterial pressure line
- C. Inserting a nasogastric tube
- D. Inserting an I.V.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Inserting a nasogastric tube is a priority intervention for a client with peptic ulcer disease to decompress the stomach.
3. The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Which finding, if noted on assessment of the client, would the nurse report to the physician?
- A. Bloody diarrhea
- B. Hypotension
- C. A hemoglobin of 12 mg/dL
- D. Rebound tenderness
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Rebound tenderness is a sign of peritonitis, a serious complication that needs to be reported to the physician immediately.
4. Donald is a 61 y.o. man with diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is characterized by:
- A. Periodic rectal hemorrhage.
- B. Hypertension and tachycardia.
- C. Vomiting and elevated temperature.
- D. Crampy and lower left quadrant pain and low-grade fever.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Diverticulitis is characterized by crampy lower left quadrant pain and a low-grade fever.
5. Which of the following complications of gastric resection should the nurse teach the client to watch for?
- A. Constipation
- B. Dumping syndrome
- C. Gastric spasm
- D. Intestinal spasms
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Clients should be taught to watch for symptoms of dumping syndrome, a common complication after gastric resection.
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