ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. 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.
2. After an abdominal resection for colon cancer, Madeline returns to her room with a Jackson-Pratt drain in place. The purpose of the drain is to:
- A. Irrigate the incision with a saline solution.
- B. Prevent bacterial infection of the incision.
- C. Measure the amount of fluid lost after surgery.
- D. Prevent accumulation of drainage in the wound.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The purpose of the Jackson-Pratt drain is to prevent the accumulation of drainage in the wound after an abdominal resection.
3. The nurse is caring for a client following a Billroth II procedure. On review of the post-operative orders, which of the following, if prescribed, would the nurse question and verify?
- A. Irrigating the nasogastric tube
- B. Coughing a deep breathing exercises
- C. Leg exercises
- D. Early ambulation
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Irrigating the nasogastric tube is typically not recommended after a Billroth II procedure unless specifically ordered by a physician due to the risk of disrupting the surgical site.
4. You’re assessing the stoma of a patient with a healthy, well-healed colostomy. You expect the stoma to appear:
- A. Pale, pink and moist
- B. Red and moist
- C. Dark or purple colored
- D. Dry and black
Correct answer: B
Rationale: A healthy, well-healed colostomy stoma should appear red and moist.
5. Which of the following tests can be used to diagnose ulcers?
- A. Abdominal x-ray
- B. Barium swallow
- C. Computed tomography (CT) scan
- D. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is a diagnostic test that involves visualizing the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to diagnose ulcers.
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