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. A home care nurse is visiting a client with a diagnosis of pernicious anemia that developed as a result of gastric surgery. The nurse instructs the client that because the stomach lining produces a decreased amount of intrinsic factor in this disorder, the client will need
- A. Vitamin B12 injections.
- B. Vitamin B6 injections.
- C. An antibiotic.
- D. An antacid.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A lack of the intrinsic factor needed to absorb vitamin B12 occurs in pernicious anemia. Vitamin B12 is needed for the maturation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is not necessarily needed for pernicious anemia and can be taken orally. An antibiotic and antacids may be prescribed for certain types of gastric ulcers.
3. Which of the following tests is most commonly used to diagnose cholecystitis?
- A. Abdominal CT scan
- B. Abdominal ultrasound
- C. Barium swallow
- D. Endoscopy
Correct answer: B
Rationale: An abdominal ultrasound is the most commonly used test to diagnose cholecystitis.
4. A client is providing instructions to a client who is scheduled for an oral cholecystogram. The nurse tells the client to
- A. Eat a fat-free meal on the evening before the procedure.
- B. Maintain strict NPO status on the day of the procedure.
- C. Avoid oral intake except for water on the day of the procedure.
- D. Eat a high-fat meal for breakfast on the day of the procedure.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: For an oral cholecystogram, the client should eat a fat-free meal the evening before the procedure and avoid oral intake except for water on the day of the procedure. During the test, the client may be given a high-fat meal or drink to stimulate gallbladder emptying. Choice A is incorrect because the client should have a fat-free meal, not a high-fat meal. Choice B is incorrect as strict NPO status is not required. Choice D is incorrect as a high-fat meal is not recommended for breakfast on the day of the procedure.
5. The home care nurse is visiting a client with a diagnosis of pernicious anemia that developed as a result of gastric surgery. The nurse instructs the client that because the stomach lining produces a decreased amount of intrinsic factor in this disorder, the client will need
- A. Vitamin B12 injections
- B. Vitamin B6 injections
- C. An antibiotic
- D. An antacid
Correct answer: A
Rationale: A lack of intrinsic factor needed to absorb vitamin B12 occurs in pernicious anemia. Vitamin B12 is needed for the maturation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is not necessarily needed for pernicious anemia and can be taken orally. An antibiotic and antacids may be prescribed for certain types of gastric ulcers.
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