Exam 2

The nurse is caring for a patient with a blocked bile duct. How will the blockage affect the patient's digestion of food?

Difficulty digesting fats

When performing an abdominal assessment on a patient, the nurse notes that the spleen is palpable. Which action does the nurse take?

Discontinue palpating the spleen.

The nurse is caring for a patient who states, "I am unable to swallow food, and I feel like food gets stuck in my esophagus." Which condition is the patient experiencing?

Dysphagia

The nurse is providing preoperative care for a patient who was instructed to have NPO. The patient is observed holding an empty but moist drinking glass. The nurse suspects that the patient consumed a liquid based on which assessment finding?

Easily heard, loud gurgling in the right upper quadrant

The postprocedure plan of care for a patient who underwent a liver biopsy includes which nursing intervention?

Keep the patient side-lying on the right side.

While caring for a bedridden patient, the nurse notes that the patient's stools are lighter than the usual brown color. Which condition could this finding indicate? Select all that apply.

Liver failure Biliary obstruction

A patient is diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux. The nurse recalls that reflux of gastric contents into the esophagus is normally prevented by which structure?

Lower esophageal sphincter (LES)

Which is the function of the hormone gastrin?

Maintaining lower esophageal sphincter tone

The nurse assesses an elderly patient who reports abdominal pain. Which assessment finding may indicate a serious gastrointestinal (GI)disorder?

Melena

The nurse suspects that a patient's assessment findings are indicative of upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Which medication in the patient's prescriptions may be responsible for this condition?

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID)

The nurse auscultates relatively high-pitched and loud gurgling sounds when performing an abdominal assessment. How does the nurse interpret this finding?

Normal finding

A patient with a family history of colon cancer undergoes a screening colonoscopy. After the procedure, the nurse performs which interventions? Select all that apply.

Obtains vital signs Assesses for abdominal cramping Assesses for abdominal distention Monitors for tenesmus

The nurse is providing immediate postprocedural care to a patient who underwent a fluoroscopic x-ray of the colon. Which is appropriate to be included in the patient's plan of care? Select all that apply .

Offering fluids to the patient Giving laxatives to the patient

The nurse assesses a patient following an esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD) and notes a sudden spike in body temperature. The nurse suspects that which event caused the assessment finding?

Organ perforation

The nurse is providing care to a patient who underwent an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) examination. Which is the most common postprocedure complication?

Pancreatitis

When reviewing the gastrointestinal (GI) system, the nurse recalls that protein digestion begins with the release of which substance from chief cells?

Pepsinogen

To assess a patient's liver, which assessment techniques does the nurse use? Select all that apply.

Percussion Deep palpation

A patient reports abdominal pain. The nurse checks the problem area by pressing in slowly and firmly over the painful site. The nurse withdraws the palpating fingers quickly. The patient experiences pain upon withdrawal. The nurse suspects which condition?

Peritoneal inflammation

When the nurse assesses a patient's abdomen, there are no obvious abnormalities except rebound tenderness upon palpation. The nurse suspects which condition?

Peritoneal inflammation

Which muscle guards the exit from the stomach?

Pyloric sphincter muscle

The nurse provides information to a patient related to a fecal analysis test. The instructions will include keeping the diet free of which item for24 to 48 hours before the test?

Red meat

The nurse recognizes that which test is used to assess areas of the gastrointestinal tract not accessible by an upper and lower endoscopy?

Video capsule endoscopy (VCE)

A patient with suspected colon cancer is scheduled for diagnostic testing. The nurse reviews the patient's history and identifies that the patient may experience difficulty tolerating sedation. Which diagnostic test is appropriate for this patient?

Virtual colonoscopy

A patient reports a two-month history of dark, tarry stools and generalized weakness. The patient denies a history of taking iron pills. The nurse suspects gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and anticipates that which diagnostic tests will be prescribed? Select all that apply.

Virtual colonoscopy Fecal analysis test Video capsule endoscopy (VCE)

The nurse discusses the process of digestion with a patient and explains that microorganisms exist in the large intestine. Which are the functions of the microorganisms? Select all that apply.

Vitamin K synthesis Breakdown of proteins not digested in the small intestine

While assessing the abdomen, the nurse uses the bell of the stethoscope to detect lower-pitched sounds. Which measure does the nurse take to prevent abdominal muscle contraction while auscultating?

Warms the bell of the stethoscope with the hands

A 90-year-old patient reports a new onset of dry mouth. The nurse recognizes that which age-related change of the gastrointestinal (GI)tract is most likely causing the condition?

Xerostomia

A patient reports severe pain in the upper-right part of the abdomen. A diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma is suspected. The nurse anticipates a prescription for which initial diagnostic test?

a-Fetoprotein test

Which cells of the islets of Langerhans secrete amylin?

β-cells

The nurse determines that a patient has an increased risk forconstipation. Which statements made by the patient support the nurse'sconclusion? Select all that apply.

"I haven't been drinking much." "I'm not eating much dietary fiber."

The nurse provides education to a patient with a gastrointestinal disorder about a barium enema study. Which statement made by the patient indicates effective learning?

"I may pass white colored stools up to 72 hours after the test."

While assessing a patient with a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, which questions does the nurse ask? Select all that apply.

"Are you having sleep disturbances?" "Have you traveled to foreign lands in the recent past?" "Have you undergone an abdominal or rectal surgery in the past?"

Which instruction does the nurse give to a patient who is scheduled for a fecal analysis test?

"Avoid eating red meat for two days before the procedure."

The nurse provides education to a group of nursing students about age-related changes in the gastrointestinal system. Which statement made by a student indicates the need for further teaching?

"Increased salivary volume occurs with aging."

The nurse is reviewing information about the gastrointestinal system with a nursing student. Which statement made by the student indicates the need for further teaching?

"Sympathetic innervation is an adrenergic system that increases peristalsis."

The nurse expects that an MRI study will be prescribed for a patient with which history?

Colorectal cancer

The nurse reviews a patient's medical record and determines that the patient's level of aspartate aminotransferase liver enzyme is normal based on which laboratory result?

18 U/L

A patient's gallbladder is not functioning well due to cholelithiasis and sludge. Which function will primarily be affected?

Concentration and storage of bile

A nursing student is performing abdominal palpation after receiving instructions from the registered nurse. Which action performed by the student indicates the need for further teaching?

Continuing to palpate after detecting the spleen

The nurse is caring for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy. Which laboratory finding is consistent with the diagnosis?

95 mcg/dL ammonia

An older adult patient experiences decreased drug metabolism. The nurse suspects that which age-related change is the cause of this condition?

Decreased protein synthesis

During an admission assessment, a patient states, "I had been having episodes of abdominal pain, so I had a surgery in which they made an opening into my common bile duct to remove stones." The nurse documents a history of which surgery?

Choledocholithotomy

A patient with liver fibrosis is scheduled for a closed biopsy procedure. Which does the nurse include in the procedural plan of care? Select all that apply.

Assessing the vital signs Instructing the patient to hold the breath during needle insertion Informing the patient that the test is done with CT or ultrasound guidance Informing the patient that a needle will be inserted on the right side Providing the patient with information about the local anesthetic that will be administered

Which substance stimulates secretion during the intestinal phase of gastric secretion?

Chyme

A patient experiences an increase in parasympathetic stimulation. The nurse expects which clinical manifestation?

Diarrhea

A patient reports a history of chronic high-dose acetaminophen use. It is important for the nurse to monitor the patient for which occurrence?

Abnormal liver function tests

The nurse recalls that which term is used to describe the process of transferring broken down food components from the gastrointestinal system to the blood?

Absorption

Which clinical manifestation does the nurse expect to observe in a patient with ascites?

Accumulation of fluid within the abdominal cavity

A patient's blood test report reveals a lipase level of 200 U/L and an amylase level of 150 U/L. Which complication does the nurse suspect based on the findings?

Acute pancreatitis

Which nursing intervention is beneficial for a patient who is scheduled for a sigmoidoscopy procedure?

Administering a bowel preparation before the test

A patient experiences a recent onset of diarrhea following a new medication regimen. The nurse reviews the patient's medication profile and suspects that which type of medication is the cause of the diarrhea?

Antibiotic

Which is the function of the hormone ghrelin?

Appetite stimulation

A patient is scheduled for a radiologic study of the upper gastrointestinal tract. When preparing the patient for the test, which is the most important nursing action?

Ask the patient about allergies to drugs, iodine, or other contrast media.

An 85-year-old patient reports a loss of appetite and no desire to eat at mealtimes. The nurse recalls which age-related changes that may be affecting the patient's appetite? Select all that apply.

Difficulty chewing food Decreased sense of salty and sweet Indigestion

The nurse finds that an older adult patient is showing signs of anemia. Which age-related change is the reason for this condition?

Atrophy of gastric mucosa

When assessing a patient's abdomen, which technique does the nurse use?

Auscultate the abdomen before palpation.

The experienced nurse observes a novice nurse who is performing an abdominal assessment on a patient. Which action by the novice nurse may result in false assessment findings?

Auscultates the abdomen after palpation

The nurse is preparing to examine a patient's abdomen. Which procedure does the nurse perform first?

Auscultation

The nurse describes the digestive process to a patient who is scheduled for gallbladder surgery. The nurse explains that which enzyme affects the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins?

Bile

A patient's assessment findings include an elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level. The nurse recalls that the level rises because of which conditions? Select all that apply.

Biliary tract obstruction Stones in common bile duct

The nurse is providing postprocedural care to a patient following a colonoscopy. The nurse reports which assessment finding to the healthcare provider immediately?

Blood in the feces

Which gland secretes an alkaline fluid that contains bicarbonate?

Brunner's gland

Inspection of an older patient's mouth reveals the presence of white, curdlike lesions on the patient's tongue. The nurse suspects which cause of the condition?

Candida albicans

When examining a patient's mouth, the nurse notes white curdlike lesions surrounded by erythematous mucosa. Which condition does the nurse suspect?

Candidiasis

Which structure(s) are being assessed when the nurse palpates the right lower abdominal quadrant in a patient?

Cecum and appendix

The nurse is caring for patient who is scheduled for a liver biopsy. Which interventions are appropriate to be included in the patient's plan of care? Select all that apply.

Check the bleeding time. Check the prothrombin time Maintain NPO status for eight hours before the test. Instruct the patient to expire fully and not breathe when the needle is inserted

A patient's diagnostic report indicates decreased release of pancreatic digestive enzymes. The nurse suspects that the patient has a deficiency of which hormone?

Cholecystokinin

The nurse is assessing a patient who reports pain when swallowing and difficulty swallowing. The patient has a 15-year history of smoking. Which is the most likely cause of the patient's symptoms?

Esophageal cancer

A patient with chronic hepatitis is scheduled for a closed liver biopsy. Which instruction about the needle insertion does the nurse give to the patient?

Fully expire, then do not breathe while the needle is being inserted

The nurse instructs a patient to avoid eating food for 12 hours before an abdominal ultrasound to prevent which occurrence?

Gallbladder contraction

The nurse provides education to a group of nursing students about the digestion process. The nurse and includes information about which hormone that is responsible for stimulating gastric acid secretion and motility?

Gastrin

The nurse performs an assessment of the gastrointestinal system on a patient and documents the findings. Which findings are normal? Select all that apply.

Generalized tympany Aortic pulsation Nonpalpable spleen Protrusion of the tongue in midline without deviation

While caring for a patient with cirrhosis, the nurse recalls that the liver performs which functions? Select all that apply.

Glycogenolysis Storage of fat-soluble vitamins Synthesis and breakdown of cholesterol

A patient is diagnosed with chronic liver cirrhosis. The nurse expects which assessment finding when examining the abdomen?

Hard, enlarged liver

A patient receives a prescription for an indirect serum bilirubin test. The nurse recognizes that the test is being performed to diagnose which health problem?

Hemolytic condition

A patient experiences difficulty defecating due to constipation. A recommended treatment is the Valsalva maneuver. The nurse recognizes that it is important to obtain which history information prior to assisting the patient with this maneuver? Select all that apply.

Hemorrhoids Cardiac problems Abdominal surgery

A patient is being admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain. Which information does the nurse include when obtaining the patient's gastrointestinal (GI) history? Select all that apply.

Hemorrhoids Lactose intolerance Abdominal distention Nausea and vomiting

An older adult patient reports constipation to the nurse. Which advice does the nurse give to the patient?

Increase the intake of fluids.

Which action does the nurse take to prepare a patient for a video capsule endoscopy (VCE) study?

Inform the patient that the procedure involves swallowing a video capsule.

Which sequence does the nurse follow when examining a patient's abdomen?

Inspection first, then auscultation, percussion, and palpation

Which cells protect the mucosa of the small intestine?

Intestinal goblet cells

Which gastrointestinal secretion is essential for cobalamin absorption in the ileum?

Intrinsic factor

The nurse is interviewing a patient with chronic constipation. The nurse finds that the patient performs a Valsalva maneuver to facilitate passing of feces. How is this maneuver helpful in aiding the elimination process?

It increases intraabdominal pressure.

After a patient has undergone an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD),which is the nursing priority?

Keep the patient NPO until the gag reflex returns.

A patient is experiencing cheilosis. The nurse suspects that which is the cause of the patient's condition?

Riboflavin deficiency

The nurse is performing a focused abdominal assessment of a hospitalized patient. To palpate the patient's liver, where does the nurse palpate the patient's abdomen?

Right upper quadrant

The nurse reviews the gastrointestinal (GI) process and recalls that the stomach performs which functions? Select all that apply.

Secretion of pepsinogen Secretion of hydrochloric acid

A patient is suspected of having acute pancreatitis after presenting to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain. The nurse identifies that which important diagnostic laboratory value peaks in 24hours and then returns to normal in 48 to 72 hours?

Serum amylase

The nurse suspects a cobalamin deficiency in a patient based on which assessment finding?

Smooth, red, and slick tongue

A patient experiences severe abdominal pain. The nurse performs a physical examination and finds that there is tenderness in the left upper quadrant. Which organs could cause this tenderness? Select all that apply .

Spleen Stomach

When a patient reports foul-smelling stool, which condition does the nurse suspect?

Steatorrhea

The nurse reviews the medical record of an older patient and notes food intolerance and signs of anemia. The nurse identifies that the age-related changes are associated with which part of the gastrointestinal(GI) system?

Stomach

A patient is scheduled for a barium swallow test to diagnose abnormalities in the esophagus. Which instruction does the nurse include when preparing the patient for this procedure?

Stools may remain white for up to 72 hours after the test.

A patient states, "A few days ago, I was involved in a motor vehicle accident that made me really scared. I have been constipated since the day of the accident." The nurse suspects that which alteration in the function of the gastrointestinal (GI) system is causing the constipation?

The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) was activated, so the GI tract was slowed.

After reviewing a patient's laboratory report, the nurse finds that the blood glucose level is 140 mg/dL. Which cellular function of the islets of Langerhans is impaired in the patient?

The β cells

A patient reports hematemesis and burning pain in the stomach. The nurse suspects peptic ulcer disease and anticipates that which diagnostic test will be prescribed?

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) study

The nurse is assessing a patient who experiences constipation. Which information does the nurse obtain when assessing the patient's elimination pattern? Select all that apply

Use of laxatives Consistency of stools Use of opioid medications Frequency of bowel movements

During the abdominal examination of a healthy patient, which actions does the nurse take? Select all that apply.

Use warm hands. Raise the head of the bed slightly. Ask the patient to breathe slowly through the mouth. Instruct the patient to assume the supine position with knees flexed.

A nursing student is performing an abdominal examination after receiving instructions from the registered nurse. Which action performed by the student indicates the need for further teaching?

Uses cool hands while performing the patient's examination

The nurse is observing as a nursing student prepares to auscultate a patient's abdomen. Which action by the student requires intervention by the nurse?

Uses the bell of the stethoscope for the examination