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 nurse is doing pre-op teaching with the client who is about to undergo creation of a Kock pouch. The nurse interprets that the client has the best understanding of the nature of the surgery if the client makes which of the following statements?
- A. I will need to drain the pouch regularly with a catheter.
- B. I will need to wear a drainage bag for the rest of my life.
- C. The drainage from this type of ostomy will be formed.
- D. I will be able to pass stool from my rectum eventually.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A Kock pouch is a type of continent ileostomy that requires catheterization to empty the internal reservoir. Understanding the need for regular catheterization indicates the client comprehends the procedure.
3. 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.
4. A client returns from surgery with a sigmoid colostomy. An ostomy appliance is attached. The priority nursing diagnosis for daily observation and care is:
- A. Diarrhea related to alteration in bowel elimination.
- B. Impaired skin integrity related to seepage.
- C. Impaired nutrition: More than body requirements related to high-fat diet.
- D. Impaired physical mobility related to surgical procedure.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Impaired skin integrity would be the priority nursing diagnosis for daily care of the colostomy because the effluent from the colostomy can be irritating to the skin. Diarrhea isn't a concern at this point. The client will be allowed nothing by mouth until peristalsis returns. The client should get out of bed on the first postoperative day, so mobility shouldn't be a problem.
5. A patient who underwent abdominal surgery now has a gaping incision due to delayed wound healing. Which method is correct when you irrigate a gaping abdominal incision with sterile normal saline solution, using a piston syringe?
- A. Rapidly instill a stream of irrigating solution into the wound.
- B. Apply a wet-to-dry dressing to the wound after the irrigation.
- C. Moisten the area around the wound with normal saline solution after the irrigation.
- D. Irrigate continuously until the solution becomes clear or all of the solution is used.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Irrigating continuously until the solution becomes clear or all of the solution is used is the correct method when irrigating a gaping abdominal incision.
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