RN Targeted Medical Surgical
Gastrointestinal (ATI) Questions and
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
A client with a peptic ulcer reports dark stools. What is the likely cause?
A. Constipation
B. Diarrhea
C. ✔✔Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
D. Malabsorption
Which action is appropriate when caring for a client with a new gastrostomy tube?
A. Keep the client NPO permanently
B. Insert air into the tube every hour
C. ✔✔Check residual volume before each feeding
D. Clamp the tube for 12 hours after each feeding
A client is admitted with suspected GI bleed. Which vital sign change would be most
concerning?
1
,A. Bradycardia and hypertension
B. Normal pulse and high temperature
C. ✔✔Tachycardia and hypotension
D. Irregular respiratory rate and high oxygen
Which finding suggests a complication of paracentesis?
A. Clear yellow fluid drainage
B. Reduced abdominal distention
C. ✔✔Hypotension and increased heart rate
D. Mild nausea
Which instruction is appropriate for a client following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
A. Eat high-fat meals to stimulate digestion
B. Avoid walking for several days
C. ✔✔Report shoulder pain if severe or persistent
D. Avoid deep breathing exercises
2
,A nurse is preparing a client for a colonoscopy. What should the nurse instruct the client to do the
night before the procedure?
A. Take a high-fiber laxative
B. Eat a light dinner
C. ✔✔Drink the prescribed bowel preparation
D. Avoid all liquids
Which lab result should the nurse monitor in a client with suspected liver dysfunction?
A. Creatinine
B. Hematocrit
C. ✔✔ALT and AST
D. Platelets only
A client with pancreatitis should be placed on which diet initially?
A. High-protein, high-fat
B. ✔✔NPO with IV fluids
C. Clear liquid with high sugar content
D. High-carbohydrate, low-protein
3
, Which position is recommended for a client receiving enteral feedings through a nasogastric
tube?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. ✔✔Semi-Fowler’s
D. Right lateral
Which finding indicates that a client with hepatitis B needs immediate intervention?
A. Fatigue
B. Low-grade fever
C. ✔✔Yellowing of the sclera and confusion
D. Decreased appetite
A client recovering from a bowel resection is at risk for which complication?
A. Skin ulcers
B. ✔✔Paralytic ileus
C. Blood clots
4
Gastrointestinal (ATI) Questions and
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
A client with a peptic ulcer reports dark stools. What is the likely cause?
A. Constipation
B. Diarrhea
C. ✔✔Upper gastrointestinal bleeding
D. Malabsorption
Which action is appropriate when caring for a client with a new gastrostomy tube?
A. Keep the client NPO permanently
B. Insert air into the tube every hour
C. ✔✔Check residual volume before each feeding
D. Clamp the tube for 12 hours after each feeding
A client is admitted with suspected GI bleed. Which vital sign change would be most
concerning?
1
,A. Bradycardia and hypertension
B. Normal pulse and high temperature
C. ✔✔Tachycardia and hypotension
D. Irregular respiratory rate and high oxygen
Which finding suggests a complication of paracentesis?
A. Clear yellow fluid drainage
B. Reduced abdominal distention
C. ✔✔Hypotension and increased heart rate
D. Mild nausea
Which instruction is appropriate for a client following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy?
A. Eat high-fat meals to stimulate digestion
B. Avoid walking for several days
C. ✔✔Report shoulder pain if severe or persistent
D. Avoid deep breathing exercises
2
,A nurse is preparing a client for a colonoscopy. What should the nurse instruct the client to do the
night before the procedure?
A. Take a high-fiber laxative
B. Eat a light dinner
C. ✔✔Drink the prescribed bowel preparation
D. Avoid all liquids
Which lab result should the nurse monitor in a client with suspected liver dysfunction?
A. Creatinine
B. Hematocrit
C. ✔✔ALT and AST
D. Platelets only
A client with pancreatitis should be placed on which diet initially?
A. High-protein, high-fat
B. ✔✔NPO with IV fluids
C. Clear liquid with high sugar content
D. High-carbohydrate, low-protein
3
, Which position is recommended for a client receiving enteral feedings through a nasogastric
tube?
A. Supine
B. Trendelenburg
C. ✔✔Semi-Fowler’s
D. Right lateral
Which finding indicates that a client with hepatitis B needs immediate intervention?
A. Fatigue
B. Low-grade fever
C. ✔✔Yellowing of the sclera and confusion
D. Decreased appetite
A client recovering from a bowel resection is at risk for which complication?
A. Skin ulcers
B. ✔✔Paralytic ileus
C. Blood clots
4
