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. Eleanor, a 62 y.o. woman with diverticulosis is your patient. Which interventions would you expect to include in her care?
- A. Low-fiber diet and fluid restrictions.
- B. Total parenteral nutrition and bed rest.
- C. High-fiber diet and administration of psyllium.
- D. Administration of analgesics and antacids.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Care for a patient with diverticulosis includes a high-fiber diet and administration of psyllium.
3. Brenda, a 36 y.o. patient is on your floor with acute pancreatitis. Treatment for her includes:
- A. Continuous peritoneal lavage.
- B. Regular diet with increased fat.
- C. Nutritional support with TPN.
- D. Insertion of a T tube to drain the pancreas.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Treatment for acute pancreatitis includes nutritional support with TPN.
4. Gail is scheduled for a cholecystectomy. After completion of preoperative teaching, Gail states,”If I lie still and avoid turning after the operation, I’ll avoid pain. Do you think this is a good idea?” What is the best response?
- A. You’ll need to turn from side to side every 2 hours.
- B. It’s always a good idea to rest quietly after surgery.
- C. The doctor will probably order you to lie flat for 24 hours.
- D. Why don’t you decide about activity after you return from the recovery room?
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The best response to Gail is to inform her that she will need to turn from side to side every 2 hours to prevent complications.
5. Which of the following mechanisms can facilitate the development of diverticulosis into diverticulitis?
- A. Treating constipation with chronic laxative use, leading to dependence on laxatives
- B. Chronic constipation causing an obstruction, reducing forward flow of intestinal contents
- C. Herniation of the intestinal mucosa, rupturing the wall of the intestine
- D. Undigested food blocking the diverticulum, predisposing the area to bacterial invasion
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Undigested food blocking the diverticulum can lead to bacterial invasion, causing inflammation and turning diverticulosis into diverticulitis. Choices A, B, and C do not directly facilitate the development of diverticulitis. Choice A involves a different mechanism related to laxative use, choice B describes a complication of chronic constipation but does not necessarily lead to diverticulitis, and choice C refers to a different condition involving herniation of the intestinal mucosa.
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