ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. Which of the following expected outcomes would be appropriate for the client who has ulcerative colitis?
- A. The client maintains a daily record of intake and output.
- B. The client verbalizes the importance of small, frequent feedings.
- C. The client uses a heating pad to decrease abdominal cramping.
- D. The client accepts that a colostomy is inevitable at some time in his life.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Small, frequent feedings are better tolerated by clients with ulcerative colitis as they lessen the amount of fecal material present in the gastrointestinal tract and decrease stimulation. The client does not need to maintain a daily record of intake and output unless an exacerbation of the disease occurs. A heating pad should not be applied to the intestine as it is inflamed. It is not inevitable that the client will require surgery to treat ulcerative colitis.
2. Your goal is to minimize David’s risk of complications after a heriorrhaphy. You instruct the patient to:
- A. Avoid the use of pain medication.
- B. Cough and deep breathe Q2H.
- C. Splint the incision if he can’t avoid sneezing or coughing.
- D. Apply heat to scrotal swelling.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Instruct the patient to splint the incision if he can't avoid sneezing or coughing to minimize the risk of complications after heriorrhaphy.
3. Which of the following symptoms may be exhibited by a client with Crohn’s disease?
- A. Bloody diarrhea
- B. Narrow stools
- C. N/V
- D. Steatorrhea
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Clients with Crohn's disease may exhibit symptoms such as steatorrhea, which is the presence of excess fat in the stool.
4. Risk factors for the development of hiatal hernias are those that lead to increased abdominal pressure. Which of the following complications DOES NOT cause increased abdominal pressure?
- A. Obesity
- B. Volvulus
- C. Constipation
- D. Intestinal obstruction
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Obesity, constipation, and intestinal obstruction can all lead to increased abdominal pressure, which in turn can cause a hiatal hernia.
5. Glenda has cholelithiasis (gallstones). You expect her to complain of:
- A. Pain in the right upper quadrant, radiating to the shoulder.
- B. Pain in the right lower quadrant, with rebound tenderness.
- C. Pain in the left upper quadrant, with shortness of breath.
- D. Pain in the left lower quadrant, with mild cramping.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Patients with cholelithiasis often complain of pain in the right upper quadrant, radiating to the shoulder.
Similar Questions
Access More Features
ATI RN Basic
$69.99/ 30 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access
ATI RN Premium
$149.99/ 90 days
- 5,000 Questions with answers
- All ATI courses Coverage
- 30 days access