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. A nurse is caring for a client who has a new diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
- A. Bloody diarrhea
- B. Fatty stools
- C. Weight gain
- D. High fever
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Clients with Crohn's disease often experience fatty stools (steatorrhea) due to malabsorption of fats. This occurs because the inflammation caused by Crohn's disease can affect the small intestine, impairing the body's ability to absorb nutrients. Bloody diarrhea is more commonly associated with ulcerative colitis. Weight gain is not a typical symptom of Crohn's disease; instead, weight loss is more common due to malabsorption and decreased appetite. High fever can occur during acute flare-ups but is not a primary finding of Crohn's disease.
3. Your teaching Anthony how to use his new colostomy. How much skin should remain exposed between the stoma and the ring of the appliance?
- A. 1/16”
- B. 1/4″
- C. 1/2”
- D. 1”
Correct answer: A
Rationale: When teaching a patient how to use a colostomy, only 1/16” of skin should remain exposed between the stoma and the ring of the appliance to prevent skin irritation.
4. Risk factors for the development of hiatal hernias are those that lead to increased abdominal pressure. Which of the following complications DOES NOT cause increased abdominal pressure?
- A. Obesity
- B. Volvulus
- C. Constipation
- D. Intestinal obstruction
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Obesity, constipation, and intestinal obstruction can all lead to increased abdominal pressure, which in turn can cause a hiatal hernia.
5. Which of the following symptoms indicates diverticulosis?
- A. No symptoms exist
- B. Change in bowel habits
- C. Anorexia with low-grade fever
- D. Episodic, dull, or steady midabdominal pain
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Diverticulosis often has no symptoms and is usually found incidentally during tests for other conditions.
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