ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse is performing an assessment on a client with acute pancreatitis who was admitted to the hospital. Which of the following assessment questions most specifically would elicit information regarding the pain that is associated with acute pancreatitis?
- A. Does the pain in your abdomen radiate to your groin.
- B. Does the pain in your stomach radiate to the back?
- C. Does the pain in your stomach radiate to your lower middle abdomen?
- D. Does the pain in your lower abdomen radiate to the hip?
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The pain that is associated with acute pancreatitis is often severe and is located in the epigastric region and radiates to the back. Options 1, 3, and 4 are incorrect because they are not specific for the pain experienced by the client with pancreatitis.
2. 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.
3. A nurse is performing an assessment on a client with a suspected diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse assesses the client, knowing that which of the following is a hallmark sign of this disorder?
- A. Severe abdominal pain relieved by vomiting
- B. Severe abdominal pain that is unrelieved by vomiting
- C. Hypothermia
- D. Epigastric pain radiating to the neck area
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis is severe abdominal pain that is not relieved by vomiting. Nausea and vomiting are common presenting symptoms, with vomitus typically consisting of gastric and duodenal contents. Hypothermia is not a hallmark sign of acute pancreatitis. Fever, typically less than 38 degrees centigrade, is more common. Epigastric pain radiating to the neck area is not a characteristic sign of acute pancreatitis. Therefore, choice B is the correct answer.
4. Which of the following factors should be the main focus of nursing management for a client hospitalized for cholecystitis?
- A. Administration of antibiotics
- B. Assessment for complications
- C. Preparation for lithotripsy
- D. Preparation for surgery
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Assessment for complications should be the main focus of nursing management for a client hospitalized for cholecystitis.
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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