ATI RN
ATI Gastrointestinal System
1. Which of the following measures should the nurse focus on for the client with esophageal varices?
- A. Recognizing hemorrhage
- B. Controlling blood pressure
- C. Encouraging nutritional intake
- D. Teaching the client about varices
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The primary focus for a client with esophageal varices is recognizing hemorrhage because these varices can rupture and cause significant bleeding.
2. 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.
3. The client has been admitted with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The nurse would assess this client for pain that is:
- A. Severe and unrelenting, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the back.
- B. Severe and unrelenting, located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the groin.
- C. Burning and aching, located in the epigastric area and radiating to the umbilicus.
- D. Burning and aching, located in the left lower quadrant and radiating to the hip.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Acute pancreatitis typically presents with severe, unrelenting pain in the epigastric area that radiates to the back. This pain is due to inflammation and autodigestion of the pancreas.
4. Dark, tarry stools indicate bleeding in which location of the GI tract?
- A. Upper colon.
- B. Lower colon.
- C. Upper GI tract.
- D. Small intestine.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Dark, tarry stools indicate bleeding in the upper GI tract.
5. A client has been taking aluminum hydroxide 30 mL six times per day at home to treat his peptic ulcer. He tells the nurse that he has been unable to have a bowel movement for 3 days. Based on this information, the nurse would determine that which of the following is the most likely cause of the client’s constipation?
- A. The client has not been including enough fiber in his diet
- B. The client needs to increase his daily exercise
- C. The client is experiencing a side effect of the aluminum hydroxide.
- D. The client has developed a gastrointestinal obstruction.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The client is experiencing a common side effect of aluminum hydroxide, which is constipation.
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