Chapter: Chapter 21: Nursing Assessment: Digestive, Gastrointestinal, and Metabolic Function

When preparing a client for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen, which statement would indicate the need to notify the physician?

"I really don't like to be in small, enclosed spaces."

The nurse is talking with a client who is scheduled for a computed tomography (CT) colonography. Which client statement would indicate to the nurse that the client needs additional teaching about this procedure?

"My doctor will be able to remove any polyps he finds."

A 24-year-old athlete is admitted to the trauma unit following a motor-vehicle collision. The client is comatose and has developed ascites as a result of the accident. You are explaining the client's condition to his parents. In your education, what do you indicate is the primary function of the small intestine?

Absorb nutrients

Which of the following is the primary function of the small intestine?

Absorption

A nurse is assisting with a percutaneous liver biopsy. Place the steps involved in care in the correct sequence from first to last.

Ensure that the biopsy equipment is assembled and in order. Help the client assume a supine position. Place a rolled towel beneath the client's right lower ribs. While the physician inserts the needle, instruct the client to take a deep breath and hold it to keep the liver as near to the abdominal wall as possible. Make sure that the specimen container is labeled and delivered to the laboratory.

Which of the following is a parasympathetic response in the GI tract?

Increased peristalsis

When examining the abdomen of a client with complaints of nausea and vomiting, which of the following would the nurse do first?

Inspection

Which of the following is true statement regarding older patients, considering the age-related effects on their GI system?

Less control of rectal sphincter

From the following profiles of clients, which client would be most likely to undergo the diagnostic test of cholecystography?

Mark, suspected of having stones in the gallbladder

Which of the following would indicate to the nurse that a client who has received three cleansing enemas in preparation for a barium enema is experiencing dehydration?

Signs of dizziness and confusion

After teaching a group of students about the various organs of the upper gastrointestinal tract and possible disorders, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following structures as possibly being affected?

Stomach

A client is to have an upper GI procedure with barium ingestion and abdominal ultrasonography. While scheduling these diagnostic tests, the nurse must consider which factor?

The ultrasonography should be scheduled before the GI procedure.

Which of the following is an age-related change of the gastrointestinal system?

Weakened gag reflex