GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM practice exam - answers and rationale.1. The nurse has provided home care instructions to a client who had a subtotal gastrectomy.
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nurse instructs the client regarding the signs and symptoms associated with dumping syndrome.
Which of the following signs and symptoms, if identified by the client, indicates an understanding of
this potential complication following gastrointestinal surgery?
A. Hiccups and diarrhea
B. Fatigue and abdominal pain
C. Constipation and fever
D. Diaphoresis and diarrhea
1. D
Dumping syndrome occurs after gastric surgery because food is not held as long in the stomach and is
dumped into the intestine as hypertonic mass. This causes fluid to shift into the intestine, causing
cardiovascular and gastrointestinal symptoms. Symptoms typically can include weakness, dizziness,
diaphoresis, flushing, hypotension, abdominal pain and distension, hyperactive bowel sounds, and
diarrhea. Options 1, 2, and 3 are incorrect and are not signs of dumping syndrome.
2. A nurse is providing instructions to a client who will collect a stool specimen for occult blood. The
nurse instructs the client to avoid which of the following for 3 days before the collection of the stool
specimen?
A. Milk products
B. Hard cheese
C. Turnips
D. Cottage cheese
2. C
The nurse would instruct the client to avoid red meat, poultry, fish, turnips, horseradish, and foods
such as fruits and vegetables for 3 days before and during testing. These products may alter test
results.
3. Which of the following nursing interventions should have the highest priority during the first hour
after the admission of a client with cholecystitis who is experiencing pain, nausea, and vomiting?
A. Administering pain medication.
B. Completing the admission history.
C. Maintaining hydration.
D. Teaching about planned diagnostic tests.
3. A
1: Administering pain medication would have the highest priority during the first hour after the client's
admission. 2: Completing the admission history can be done after the client's pain is controlled. 3:
Maintaining hydration is important but will be accomplished over time. In the first hour after admission,
the highest priority is pain relief. 4: It is not appropriate to try to teach while a client is in pain.
Teaching about planned diagnostic tests can occur after the client is comfortable.
4. The client with Crohn’s disease has a nursing diagnosis of Acute Pain. The nurse would teach the
client to avoid which of the following in managing this problem?
A. Lying supine with the legs straight
B. Massaging the abdomen
C. Using antispasmodic medication
D. Using relaxation techniques
4. A
Pain associated with Crohn’s disease is alleviated by the use of analgesics and antispasmodics and
also is reduced by having the client practice relaxation techniques, applying local cold or heat to the
abdomen, massaging the abdomen, and lying with the legs flexed. Lying with the legs extended is not
useful because it increases the muscle tension in the abdomen, which could aggravate inflamed
intestinal tissues as the abdominal muscles are stretched.
5. A client with viral hepatitis is discussing with the nurse the need to avoid alcohol and states, “I’m not
sure I can avoid alcohol.” The most appropriate response is
A. “Everything will be alright.”
B. “I think you should talk more with the doctor about this.”
C. “I don’t believe that.”
D. “I’m not sure that I don’t understand. Would you please explain?”
5. D
Explaining what is vague or clarifying the meaning of what has been said increases the understanding [Show Less]