ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. When assessing the client with celiac disease, the nurse can expect to find which of the following?
- A. Steatorrhea
- B. Jaundiced sclerae
- C. Clay-colored stools
- D. Widened pulse pressure
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Because celiac disease destroys the absorbing surface of the intestine, fat isn't absorbed but is passed in the stool. Steatorrhea is bulky, fatty stools that have a foul odor. Jaundiced sclerae result from elevated bilirubin levels. Clay-colored stools are seen with biliary disease when bile flow is blocked. Celiac disease doesn't cause a widened pulse pressure.
2. You have to teach ostomy self care to a patient with a colostomy. You tell the patient to measure and cut the wafer:
- A. To the exact size of the stoma.
- B. About 1/16” larger than the stoma.
- C. About 1/8” larger than the stoma.
- D. About 1/4″ larger than the stoma.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The wafer should be measured and cut about 1/8” larger than the stoma to ensure proper fit and prevent skin irritation.
3. The nurse aspirates 40 mL of undigested formula from the client’s nasogastric tube. Before administering an intermittent tube feeding, the nurse understands that the 40 mL of gastric aspirate should be
- A. Discarded properly and recorded as output on the client’s intake and output record.
- B. Poured into the nasogastric tube through a syringe with the plunger removed.
- C. Mixed with the formula and poured into the nasogastric tube through a syringe with the plunger removed.
- D. Diluted with water and injected into the nasogastric tube by putting pressure on the plunger.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: After checking the residual feeding contents, the gastric contents are reinstalled into the stomach by removing the syringe bulb or plunger and pouring the gastric contents into the syringe and through the nasogastric tube. Gastric contents should be reinstalled to maintain the client’s electrolyte balance. The gastric contents should be poured into the nasogastric tube through a syringe without a plunger and not injected by putting pressure on the plunger. Gastric contents do not need to be mixed with water or should the contents be discarded.
4. A client with viral hepatitis has no appetite, and food makes the client nauseated. Which of the following interventions would be most appropriate?
- A. Explain that high-fat diets usually are tolerated better.
- B. Encourage intake of foods high in protein.
- C. Explain that the majority of calories need to be consumed in the evening hours.
- D. Monitor for fluid and electrolyte imbalance.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: If nausea occurs and persists, the client will need to be assessed for fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Explaining to the client that the majority of calories should be eaten in the morning hours is important because nausea occurs most often in the afternoon and evening. Clients should select a diet high in calories because energy is required for healing. Protein increases the workload on the liver. Changes in bilirubin interfere with fat absorption, so low-fat diets are tolerated better.
5. The client who has undergone creation of a colostomy has a nursing diagnosis of Disturbed body image. The nurse would evaluate that the client is making the most significant progress toward identified goals if the client:
- A. Watches the nurse empty the colostomy bag
- B. Looks at the ostomy site
- C. Reads the ostomy product literature
- D. Practices cutting the ostomy appliance
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Practices cutting the ostomy appliance. This choice indicates that the client is actively involved in self-care and adapting to the colostomy. By practicing cutting the ostomy appliance, the client is demonstrating independence and self-management skills, showing significant progress towards overcoming the disturbed body image. Choices A, B, and C do not involve active participation in self-care tasks related to the colostomy, which are essential for the client's adaptation and acceptance.
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