ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions
1. Which of the following nursing measures would be inappropriate when caring for a client with a Cantor tube?
- A. Injecting 10 mL of air into the tube to facilitate drainage.
- B. Applying a water-soluble lubricant to the client's nares.
- C. Coiling extra tubing on the client's bed.
- D. Irrigating the tube with 50 mL of normal saline solution.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Intestinal tubes are not irrigated. Injecting air into the tube, applying water-soluble lubricant, and coiling extra tubing are appropriate nursing measures.
2. The nurse has given instructions to the client with an ileostomy about foods to eat to thicken the stool. The nurse determines that the client needs further instructions if the client stated to eat which of the following foods to make the stool less watery?
- A. Pasta
- B. Boiled rice
- C. Bran
- D. Low-fat cheese
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Foods that help to thicken the stool of the client with an ileostomy include pasta, boiled rice, and low-fat cheese. Bran is high in dietary fiber and thus will increase the output of watery stool by increasing propulsion through the bowel. Ileostomy output is liquid. Addition or elimination of various foods can help to thicken or loosen this liquid drainage.
3. A client with peptic ulcer is scheduled for a Vagotomy. The client asks the nurse about the purpose of this procedure. The nurse tells the client that the procedure
- A. Decreases food absorption in the stomach.
- B. Heals the gastric mucosa.
- C. Halts stress reactions.
- D. Reduces the stimulus to acid secretions.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: A vagotomy, or cutting of the vagus nerve, is done to eliminate parasympathetic stimulation of gastric secretion, thereby reducing the stimulus to acid secretions. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as a vagotomy does not affect food absorption, heal the gastric mucosa, or halt stress reactions.
4. Elmer is scheduled for a proctoscopy and has an I.V. The doctor wrote an order for 5mg of I.V. diazepam(Valium). Which order is correct regarding diazepam?
- A. Give diazepam in the I.V. port closest to the vein.
- B. Mix diazepam with 50 ml of dextrose 5% in water and give over 15 minutes.
- C. Give diazepam rapidly I.V. to prevent the bloodstream from diluting the drug mixture.
- D. Question the order because I.V. administration of diazepam is contraindicated.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct method for administering I.V. diazepam is to give it in the I.V. port closest to the vein.
5. You’re patient, post-op drainage of a pelvic abscess secondary to diverticulitis, begins to cough violently after drinking water. His wound has ruptured and a small segment of the bowel is protruding. What’s your priority?
- A. Ask the patient what happened, call the doctor, and cover the area with a water-soaked bedsheet.
- B. Obtain vital signs, call the doctor, and obtain emergency orders.
- C. Have a CAN hold the wound together while you obtain vital signs, call the doctor and flex the patient’s knees.
- D. Have the doctor called while you remain with the patient, flex the patient’s knees, and cover the wound with sterile towels soaked in sterile saline solution.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: For a patient with a ruptured wound and protruding bowel, call the doctor while remaining with the patient, flex the patient’s knees, and cover the wound with sterile towels soaked in sterile saline solution.
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