ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. The nurse provides discharge instructions to a patient with hepatitis B. Which of the following statements, if made by the patient, would indicate the need for further instruction?
- A. I can never donate blood.
- B. I can never have unprotected sex.
- C. I cannot share needles.
- D. I should avoid drugs and alcohol.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. This patient statement indicates a need for further teaching. The patient should be instructed that, in order to avoid complications, alcohol should be avoided for six months to one year. Illicit drugs and toxic chemicals should also be avoided. Acetaminophen may be taken only when necessary and not beyond the recommended dosage. Choices A, B, and C are correct statements regarding precautions to prevent the spread of hepatitis B and do not indicate a need for further instruction.
2. Which goal of the client’s care should take priority during the first days of hospitalization for an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis?
- A. Promoting self-care and independence
- B. Managing diarrhea
- C. Maintaining adequate nutrition
- D. Promoting rest and comfort
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Managing diarrhea should take priority during the first days of hospitalization for an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis.
3. George has a T tube in place after gallbladder surgery. Before discharge, what information or instructions should be given regarding the T tube drainage?
- A. If there is any drainage, notify the surgeon immediately.
- B. The drainage will decrease daily until the bile duct heals.
- C. First, the drainage is dark green; then it becomes dark yellow.
- D. If the drainage stops, milk the tube toward the puncture wound.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Before discharge, inform the patient that the drainage will decrease daily until the bile duct heals.
4. Kevin has a history of peptic ulcer disease and vomits coffee-ground emesis. What does this indicate?
- A. He has fresh, active upper GI bleeding.
- B. He needs immediate saline gastric lavage.
- C. His gastric bleeding occurred 2 hours earlier.
- D. He needs a transfusion of packed RBCs.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Coffee-ground emesis is a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding that occurred approximately 2 hours earlier. It results from the breakdown of blood in the stomach due to digestive enzymes, giving it a coffee-ground appearance. Choice A is incorrect because coffee-ground emesis indicates older, partially digested blood, not fresh active bleeding. Choice B is incorrect as gastric lavage is not indicated for coffee-ground emesis. Choice D is incorrect because a transfusion of packed RBCs is not the immediate management for this presentation.
5. You’re caring for Beth who underwent a Billroth II procedure (surgical removal of the pylorus and duodenum) for treatment of a peptic ulcer. Which findings suggest that the patient is developing dumping syndrome, a complication associated with this procedure?
- A. Flushed, dry skin.
- B. Headache and bradycardia.
- C. Dizziness and sweating.
- D. Dyspnea and chest pain.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Dizziness and sweating are common signs of dumping syndrome, a complication of the Billroth II procedure.
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