ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. To prevent gastroesophageal reflux in a client with hiatal hernia, the nurse should provide which discharge instructions?
- A. Lie down after meals to promote digestion.
- B. Avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages.
- C. Take antacids before meals.
- D. Limit fluids with meals.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: To prevent reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus, the nurse should advise the client to avoid foods and beverages that tend to increase stomach acid, such as coffee and alcohol. The nurse also should teach the client to avoid lying down after meals, which can aggravate reflux, and to take antacids after eating. The client doesn't need to limit fluids with meals as long as the fluids aren't gastric irritants.
2. Annebell is being discharged with a colostomy, and you’re teaching her about colostomy care. Which statement correctly describes a healthy stoma?
- A. At first, the stoma may bleed slightly when touched.
- B. The stoma should appear dark and have a bluish hue.
- C. A burning sensation under the stoma faceplate is normal.
- D. The stoma should remain swollen away from the abdomen.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A healthy stoma may bleed slightly when touched initially, which is normal.
3. The nurse has given instructions to the client with an ileostomy about foods to eat to thicken the stool. The nurse determines that the client needs further instructions if the client stated to eat which of the following foods to make the stools less watery?
- A. Pasta
- B. Boiled rice
- C. Bran
- D. Low-fat cheese
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Bran is high in fiber and should not be consumed to thicken the stool as it will make the stools more watery.
4. Which nursing measure would be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe after a cholecystectomy?
- A. Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths to decrease pain.
- B. Having the client lay on the left side while coughing and deep breathing.
- C. Teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision.
- D. Withholding pain medication so the client can be alert enough to follow the nurse's instructions.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: After a cholecystectomy, teaching the client to use a folded blanket or pillow to splint the incision will be most effective in helping the client cough and deep breathe. This technique provides support and reduces pain during coughing and deep breathing, promoting better lung expansion. Having the client take rapid, shallow breaths would not be effective in decreasing pain; instead, deep breathing is encouraged to prevent complications like atelectasis. Lying on the left side would limit lung expansion; therefore, the client should be positioned in semi-Fowler's or Fowler's position to maximize lung expansion. Withholding pain medication can lead to discomfort and reluctance to cough and deep breathe, hindering recovery.
5. Colon cancer is most closely associated with which of the following conditions?
- A. Appendicitis
- B. Hemorrhoids
- C. Hiatal hernia
- D. Ulcerative colitis
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Ulcerative colitis is a condition closely associated with an increased risk of developing colon cancer due to chronic inflammation of the colon.
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