the nurse provides medication instructions to a client with peptic ulcer disease which statement if made by the client indicates best understanding of

ATI RN

Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions

1. The nurse provides medication instructions to a client with peptic ulcer disease. Which statement, if made by the client, indicates best understanding of the medication therapy?

A. The cimetidine (Tagamet) will cause me to produce less stomach acid.
B. Sucralfate (Carafate) will change the fluid in my stomach.
C. Antacids will coat my stomach.
D. Omeprazole (Prilosec) will coat the ulcer and help it heal.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cimetidine (Tagamet) a Histamine H2 receptor antagonist, will decrease the secretion of gastric acid. Sucralfate (Carafate) promotes healing by coating the ulcer. Antacids neutralize acid in the stomach. Omeprazole (Prilosec) inhibits gastric acid secretion.

2. Which of the following symptoms best describes Murphy’s sign?

A. Periumbilical ecchymosis exists
B. On deep palpation and release, pain is elicited
C. On deep inspiration, pain is elicited and breathing stops
D. Abdominal muscles are tightened in anticipation of palpation

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Murphy's sign is described as pain elicited on deep inspiration when the examiner's fingers are placed under the right costal margin.

3. Which of the following conditions can cause a hiatal hernia?

A. Increased intrathoracic pressure
B. Weakness of the esophageal muscle
C. Increased esophageal muscle pressure
D. Weakness of the diaphragmic muscle

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Weakness of the diaphragmic muscle can lead to a hiatal hernia as it allows part of the stomach to push through the diaphragm into the chest cavity.

4. Which of the following aspects is the priority focus of nursing management for a client with peritonitis?

A. Fluid and electrolyte balance
B. Gastric irrigation
C. Pain management
D. Psychosocial issues

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The priority focus of nursing management for a client with peritonitis is fluid and electrolyte balance to prevent shock.

5. A nurse is reviewing the orders of a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. Select the interventions that the nurse would expect to be prescribed for the client.

A. Small, frequent high-calorie feedings.
B. Meperidine (Demerol) as prescribed for pain.
C. Place the client in a side-lying position with the head elevated 45-degrees.
D. Administer antacids and anticholinergics to suppress gastrointestinal secretions.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with acute pancreatitis is to prescribe pain medications such as meperidine to manage the abdominal pain, which is a prominent symptom of the condition. The other options are incorrect because: A) Clients with acute pancreatitis are normally placed on NPO (nothing by mouth) status to rest the pancreas, so small, frequent high-calorie feedings are not indicated. C) Placing the client in a side-lying position with the head elevated 45-degrees helps decrease tension on the abdomen and may ease pain, but it is not a standard intervention for acute pancreatitis. D) Administering antacids and anticholinergics to suppress gastrointestinal secretions is not a routine intervention for acute pancreatitis.