ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse is monitoring a client for the early signs and symptoms for dumping syndrome. Which symptom indicates this occurrence?
- A. Abdominal cramping and pain
- B. Bradycardia and indigestion
- C. Sweating and pallor
- D. Double vision and chest pain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Early manifestations of dumping syndrome occur 5 to 30 minutes after eating. Symptoms include vertigo, tachycardia, syncope, sweating, pallor, palpitations, and the desire to lie down.
2. A client with rectal cancer may exhibit which of the following symptoms?
- A. Abdominal fullness
- B. Gastric fullness
- C. Rectal bleeding
- D. Right upper quadrant pain
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Rectal bleeding is a common symptom in clients with rectal cancer.
3. Before administering an intermittent tube feeding through a nasogastric tube, the nurse assesses for gastric residual. The nurse understands that this procedure is important to
- A. Confirm proper nasogastric tube placement.
- B. Observe gastric contents.
- C. Assess fluid and electrolyte status.
- D. Evaluate absorption of the last feeding.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Evaluating the absorption of the last feeding is important because administration of a tube feeding to a full stomach could result in overdistention, thus predisposing the client to regurgitation and possible aspiration.
4. A nurse is assigned to a 40-year-old client who has a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. The nurse reviews the laboratory result, anticipating a laboratory report that indicates a serum amylase level of
- A. 45 units/L
- B. 100 units/L
- C. 300 units/L
- D. 500 units/L
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The normal serum amylase level is 25 to 151 IU/L. With chronic cases of pancreatitis, the rise in serum amylase levels usually does not exceed three times the normal value. In acute pancreatitis, the value may exceed five times the normal value. Options 1 and 2 are within normal limits. Option 3 is an extremely elevated level seen in acute pancreatitis.
5. 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.
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