GI disorders
A client presents to the clinic reporting vomiting and burning in the mid-epigastria. The nurse knows that in the process of confirming peptic ulcer disease, the health care provider is likely to order a diagnostic test to detect the presence of what? A. Infection with Helicobacter pylori B. Excessive stomach acid secretion C. An incompetent pyloric sphincter D. A metabolic acid-base imbalance
ANS: A Rationale: H. pylori infection may be determined by endoscopy and histologic examination of a tissue specimen obtained by biopsy, or a rapid urease test of the biopsy specimen. Excessive stomach acid secretion leads to gastritis; however, peptic ulcers are caused by colonization of the stomach by H. pylori. Sphincter dysfunction and acid-base imbalances do not cause peptic ulcer disease.
The nurse is admitting a client whose medication regimen includes regular injections of vitamin B12. The nurse should question the client about a history of: A. total gastrectomy. B. bariatric surgery. C. diverticulitis. D. gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
ANS: A Rationale: If a total gastrectomy is performed, injection of vitamin B12 will be required for life, because intrinsic factor, secreted by parietal cells in the stomach, binds to vitamin B12 so that it may be absorbed in the ileum. Bariatric surgery, diverticulitis and GERD do not necessitate total gastrectomy and subsequent vitamin B12 supplementation.
A client has come to the clinic reporting pain just above her umbilicus. When assessing the client, the nurse notes Sister Mary Joseph nodules. The nurse should refer the client to the primary provider to be assessed for what health problem? A. A GI malignancy B. Dumping syndrome C. Peptic ulcer disease D. Esophageal/gastric obstruction
ANS: A Rationale: Palpable nodules around the umbilicus, called Sister Mary Joseph nodules, are a sign of a GI malignancy, usually a gastric cancer. This would not be a sign of dumping syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, or esophageal/gastric obstruction.
Diagnostic imaging and physical assessment have revealed that a client with peptic ulcer disease has suffered a perforated ulcer. The nurse recognizes that emergency interventions must be performed as soon as possible in order to prevent the development of what complication? A. Peritonitis B. Gastritis C. Gastroesophageal reflux D. Acute pancreatitis
ANS: A Rationale: Perforation is the erosion of the ulcer through the gastric serosa into the peritoneal cavity without warning. Chemical peritonitis develops within a few hours of perforation and is followed by bacterial peritonitis. Gastritis, reflux, and pancreatitis are not acute complications of a perforated ulcer.
A client who experienced a large upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleed due to gastritis has had the bleeding controlled and is now stable. For the next several hours, the nurse caring for this client should assess for what signs and symptoms of recurrence? A. Tachycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea B. Tarry, foul-smelling stools C. Diaphoresis and sudden onset of abdominal pain D. Sudden thirst, unrelieved by oral fluid administration
ANS: A Rationale: Tachycardia, hypotension, and tachypnea are signs of recurrent bleeding. Clients who have had one GI bleed are at risk for recurrence. Tarry stools are expected short-term findings after a hemorrhage. Hemorrhage is not normally associated with sudden thirst or diaphoresis.
Diagnostic testing of a client with a history of dyspepsia and abdominal pain has resulted in a diagnosis of gastric cancer. The nurse's anticipatory guidance should include what information? A. The possibility of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy B. The possibility of needing a short-term or long-term colostomy C. The benefits of weight loss and exercise as tolerated during recovery D. The good prognosis for clients who are treated for gastric cancer
ANS: A Rationale: Treatment of gastric cancer is usually multimodal, but does not necessitate a colostomy. Weight loss is not a goal during recovery; exercise is not a high priority and may be unrealistic. The prognosis for clients with gastric cancer is generally poor.
An adult client with a history of dyspepsia has been diagnosed with chronic gastritis. The nurse's health education should include what guidelines? Select all that apply. A. Avoid drinking alcohol B. Adopt a low-residue diet C. Avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories D. Take calcium gluconate as prescribed E. Prepare for the possibility of surgery
ANS: A, C Rationale: Clients with chronic gastritis are encouraged to avoid alcohol and NSAIDs. Calcium gluconate is not a common treatment and the condition is not normally treated with surgery. Dietary modifications are usually recommended, but this does not necessitate a low-residue diet.
The nurse is providing care for a client whose peptic ulcer disease will be treated with a Billroth I procedure (gastroduodenostomy). Which statement(s) by the client indicates effective knowledge of the procedure? Select all that apply. A. "I will be at risk of developing diarrhea, nausea, and feeling light-headed after eating." B. "It is likely that I will need to receive nutrition directly into my veins." C. "One of my nerves, the vagus nerve, may be cut during the surgery." D. "I can eat a normal diet again after 3 to 5 weeks." E. "This surgery will remove part of my stomach and colon."
ANS: A, C Rationale: This surgery carries a risk for dumping syndrome and may be performed with a truncal vagotomy, in which the vagus nerve is severed. Dumping syndrome is a condition in which food empties rapidly from the stomach to the duodenum, resulting in diarrhea, nausea, and feeling light-headed after eating a meal. Parenteral nutrition is not expected, though life-long dietary modifications will be necessary. A portion of the duodenum is removed, but not the colon.
A nurse is caring for a client who just has been diagnosed with a peptic ulcer. When teaching the client about his new diagnosis, how should the nurse best describe it? A. Inflammation of the lining of the stomach B. Erosion of the lining of the stomach or intestine C. Bleeding from the mucosa in the stomach D. Viral invasion of the stomach wall
ANS: B Rationale: A peptic ulcer is erosion of the lining of the stomach or intestine. Peptic ulcers are often accompanied by bleeding and inflammation, but these are not the definitive characteristics.
A client with a history of peptic ulcer disease has presented to the emergency department (ED) in distress. What assessment finding would lead the ED nurse to suspect that the client has a perforated ulcer? A. The client has abdominal bloating that developed rapidly .B. The client has a rigid, "board-like" abdomen that is tender. C. The client is experiencing intense lower right quadrant pain. D. The client is experiencing dizziness and confusion with no apparent hemodynamic changes.
ANS: B Rationale: An extremely tender and rigid (board-like) abdomen is suggestive of a perforated ulcer. None of the other listed signs and symptoms is suggestive of a perforated ulcer.
A client has been prescribed cimetidine for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. When providing relevant health education for this client, the nurse should ensure the client is aware of what potential outcome? A. Bowel incontinence B. Drug-drug interactions C. Abdominal pain D. Heat intolerance
ANS: B Rationale: Cimetidine is associated with several drug-drug interactions. This drug does not cause bowel incontinence, abdominal pain, or heat intolerance.
A nurse is assessing a client who has peptic ulcer disease. The client requests more information about the typical causes of Helicobacter pylori infection. What would it be appropriate for the nurse to instruct the client? A. Most affected clients acquired the infection during international travel. B. Infection typically occurs due to ingestion of contaminated food and water. C. Many people possess genetic factors causing a predisposition to H. pylori infection. D. The H. pylori microorganism is endemic in warm, moist climates.
ANS: B Rationale: Most peptic ulcers result from infection with the gram-negative bacteria H. pylori, which may be acquired through ingestion of food and water. The organism is endemic to many areas, not only warm, moist climates. Genetic factors have not been identified.
A client is receiving education about an upcoming Billroth I procedure (gastroduodenostomy). This client should be informed that the client may experience which of the following adverse effects associated with this procedure? A. Persistent feelings of hunger and thirst B. Constipation or bowel incontinence C. Diarrhea and feelings of fullness D. Gastric reflux and belching
ANS: C Rationale: Following a Billroth I, the client may have problems with feelings of fullness, dumping syndrome, and diarrhea. Hunger and thirst, constipation, and gastric reflux are not adverse effects associated with this procedure.
A nurse is providing client education for a client with peptic ulcer disease secondary to chronic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. The client has recently been prescribed misoprostol. What would the nurse be most accurate in informing the client about the drug? A. It reduces the stomach's volume of hydrochloric acid B. It increases the speed of gastric emptying C. It protects the stomach's lining D. It increases lower esophageal sphincter pressure
ANS: C Rationale: Misoprostol is a synthetic prostaglandin that, like prostaglandin, protects the gastric mucosa. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin production and predispose the client to peptic ulceration. Misoprostol does not reduce gastric acidity, improve emptying of the stomach, or increase lower esophageal sphincter pressure.
A nurse is completing a health history on a client whose diagnosis is chronic gastritis. Which of the data should the nurse consider most significantly related to the etiology of the client's health problem? A. Consumes one or more protein drinks daily. B. Takes over-the-counter antacids frequently throughout the day. C. Smokes one pack of cigarettes daily. D. Reports a history of social drinking on a weekly basis.
ANS: C Rationale: Nicotine reduces secretion of pancreatic bicarbonate, which inhibits neutralization of gastric acid and can underlie gastritis. Protein drinks do not result in gastric inflammation. Antacid use is a response to experiencing symptoms of gastritis, not the etiology of gastritis. Alcohol ingestion can lead to gastritis; however, this generally occurs in clients with a history of consumption of alcohol on a daily basis.
A client who underwent a gastric resection 3 weeks ago is having their diet progressed on a daily basis. Following the latest meal, the client reports dizziness and palpitations. Inspection reveals that the client is diaphoretic. What is the nurse's best action? A. Insert a nasogastric tube promptly. B. Reposition the client supine. C. Monitor the client closely for further signs of dumping syndrome. D. Assess the client for signs and symptoms of aspiration.
ANS: C Rationale: The client's symptoms are characteristic of dumping syndrome, which results in a sensation of fullness, weakness, faintness, dizziness, palpitations, diaphoresis, cramping pains, and diarrhea. Aspiration is a less likely cause for the client's symptoms. Supine positioning will likely exacerbate the symptoms and insertion of an NG tube is contraindicated due to the nature of the client's surgery.
A nurse is preparing to discharge a client after recovery from gastric surgery. What is an appropriate discharge outcome for this client? A. Bowel movements maintain a loose consistency. B. Three large meals per day are tolerated. C. Weight is maintained or gained. D. High calcium diet is consumed.
ANS: C Rationale: Weight loss is common in the postoperative period, with early satiety, dysphagia, reflux and regurgitation, and elimination issues contributing to this problem. The client should weigh oneself daily, with a goal of maintaining or gaining weight. The client should not have bowel movements that maintain a loose consistency, because this would indicate diarrhea and would warrant intervention as it is a symptom of dumping syndrome. The client should be able to tolerate six small meals per day, rather than three large meals. The client does not require a diet excessively rich in calcium but should consume a diet high in calories, iron, vitamin A and vitamin C.
A client with a peptic ulcer disease has had metronidazole added to their current medication regimen. What health education related to this medication should the nurse provide? a. Take the medication on an empty stomach. b. Take up to one extra dose per day if stomach pain persists. c. Take at bedtime to mitigate the effects of drowsiness. d. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking the drug.
ANS: D Rationale: Alcohol must be avoided when taking metronidazole and the medication should be taken with food. This drug does not cause drowsiness and the dose should not be adjusted by the client.
A nurse is caring for a client hospitalized with an exacerbation of chronic gastritis. What health promotion topic should the nurse emphasize? A. Strategies for maintaining an alkaline gastric environment B. Safe technique for self-suctioning C. Techniques for positioning correctly to promote gastric healing D. Strategies for avoiding irritating foods and beverages
ANS: D Rationale: Measures to help relieve pain include instructing the client to avoid foods and beverages that may be irritating to the gastric mucosa and instructing the client about the correct use of medications to relieve chronic gastritis. An alkaline gastric environment is neither possible nor desirable. There is no plausible need for self-suctioning. Positioning does not have a significant effect on the presence or absence of gastric healing.
A community health nurse is preparing for an initial home visit to a client discharged following a total gastrectomy for treatment of gastric cancer. What would the nurse anticipate that the plan of care is most likely to include? A. Enteral feeding via gastrostomy tube (G tube) B. Gastrointestinal decompression by nasogastric tube C. Periodic assessment for esophageal distension D. Administration of injections of vitamin B12
ANS: D Rationale: Since vitamin B12 is absorbed in the stomach, the client requires vitamin B12 replacement to prevent pernicious anemia. A gastrectomy precludes the use of a G tube. Since the stomach is absent, a nasogastric tube would not be indicated. As well, this is not possible in the home setting. Since there is no stomach to act as a reservoir and fluids and nutrients are passing directly into the jejunum, distension is unlikely.
A nurse is admitting a client diagnosed with late-stage gastric cancer. The client's family is distraught and angry that the client was not diagnosed earlier in the course of her disease. What factor most likely contributed to the client's late diagnosis? A. Gastric cancer does not cause signs or symptoms until metastasis has occurred. B. Adherence to screening recommendations for gastric cancer is exceptionally low. C. Early symptoms of gastric cancer are usually attributed to constipation. D. The early symptoms of gastric cancer are usually not alarming or highly unusual.
ANS: D Rationale: Symptoms of early gastric cancer, such as pain relieved by antacids, resemble those of benign ulcers and are seldom definitive. Symptoms are rarely a cause for alarm or for detailed diagnostic testing. Symptoms precede metastasis, however, and do not include constipation.
A client has experienced symptoms of dumping syndrome following gastric surgery. To what physiologic phenomenon does the nurse attribute this syndrome? A. Irritation of the phrenic nerve due to diaphragmatic pressure B. Chronic malabsorption of iron and vitamins A and C C. Reflux of bile into the distal esophagus D. Influx of extracellular fluid into the small intestine
ANS: D Rationale: The rapid bolus of hypertonic food from the stomach to the small intestines draws extracellular fluid into the lumen of the intestines to dilute the high concentrations of electrolytes and sugars, which results in intestinal dilation, increased intestinal transit, hyperglycemia, and the rapid onset of GI and vasomotor symptoms, which characterizes dumping syndrome. It is not a result of phrenic nerve irritation, malabsorption, or bile reflux.
The nurse is providing care for a client who has recently been diagnosed with chronic gastritis. What health practice should the nurse address when teaching the client to limit exacerbations of the disease? A. Performing 15 minutes of physical activity at least three times per week B. Avoiding taking aspirin to treat pain or fever C. Taking multivitamins as prescribed and eating organic foods whenever possible D. Maintaining a healthy body weight
NS: B Rationale: Aspirin and other NSAIDs are implicated in chronic gastritis because of their irritating effect on the gastric mucosa. Organic foods and vitamins confer no protection. Exercise and a healthy body weight are beneficial to overall health but do not prevent gastritis.
