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. The client has orders for a nasogastric (NG) tube insertion. During the procedure, instructions that will assist in the insertion would be:
- A. Instruct the client to tilt his head back for insertion in the nostril, then flex his neck for the final insertion
- B. After insertion into the nostril, instruct the client to extend his neck
- C. Introduce the tube with the client’s head tilted back, then instruct him to keep his head upright for final insertion
- D. Instruct the client to hold his chin down, then back for insertion of the tube
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Instructing the client to tilt his head back for insertion in the nostril, then flex his neck for the final insertion helps facilitate the NG tube insertion.
3. The nurse develops a plan of care for a client with a T tube. Which one of the following nursing interventions should be included?
- A. Inspect skin around the T tube daily for irritation.
- B. Irrigate the T tube every 4 hours to maintain patency.
- C. Maintain the client in a supine position while the T tube is in place.
- D. Keep the T tube clamped except during mealtimes.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct nursing intervention to include in the plan of care for a client with a T tube is to inspect the skin around the T tube daily for irritation. Bile is erosive and can cause skin irritation, so it is crucial to keep the skin clean and dry. T tubes are not routinely irrigated; irrigation is done only with a physician's order. It is unnecessary to maintain the client in a supine position; instead, assist the client into a position of comfort. T tubes are not typically clamped unless ordered by a physician, and if clamped, it is usually done 1 to 2 hours before and after meals.
4. You’re advising a 21 y.o. with a colostomy who reports problems with flatus. What food should you recommend?
- A. Peas
- B. Cabbage
- C. Broccoli
- D. Yogurt
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Yogurt can help reduce problems with flatus in patients with a colostomy.
5. You’re caring for a 28 y.o. woman with hepatitis B. She’s concerned about the duration of her recovery. Which response isn’t appropriate?
- A. Encourage her to not worry about the future.
- B. Encourage her to express her feelings about the illness.
- C. Discuss the effects of hepatitis B on future health problems.
- D. Provide avenues for financial counseling if she expresses the need.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Encouraging the patient to not worry about the future is not appropriate. Instead, address her concerns and provide information.
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