Chapter 38: Assessment of Digestive and Gastrointestinal Function

The nurse recognizes which change of the GI system is an age-related change?

weakened gag reflex

A client with a gastrointestinal condition asks why the mouth needs to be examined. Which response will the nurse make?

"Changes in the mouth can help explain why your condition is occurring."

A client is scheduled for an ultrasound of the abdomen. Which statement indicates that teaching provided to the client to prepare for the test was effective?

"I will not eat or drink for 8 to 12 hours before the test."

A home care nurse is caring for a client with reports of epigastric discomfort who is scheduled for a barium swallow. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the test?

"I'll avoid eating or drinking anything 6 to 8 hours before the test."

A client asks the nurse why the physician ordered the blood test carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). The nurse answers:

"It indicates if a cancer is present."

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

Absorption

Which of the following digestive enzymes aids in the digesting of starch?

Amylase

The nurse is to obtain a stool specimen from a client who reported that he is taking iron supplements. The nurse would expect the stool to be which color?

Black

A client reports a history of bleeding hemorrhoids to the nurse. Which observation supports the client's statement?

Blood streaks in stool

When examining the skin of a client who is dehydrated due to fluid losses from the gastrointestinal tract, which of the following would be most important?

Checking if the mucous membranes are dry

A client is scheduled for several diagnostic tests to evaluate gastrointestinal function. After teaching the client about these tests, the nurse determines that the client has understood the teaching when the client identifies which test as not requiring the use of a contrast medium?

Colonoscopy

Cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder characterized by pulmonary and pancreatic dysfunction, usually appears in young children but can also affect adults. If the pancreas was functioning correctly, where would the bile and pancreatic enzymes enter the GI system?

Duodenum

A client is being scheduled for a gastric analysis test. The nurse knows that which conditions can be diagnosed from this type of test? Select all that apply.

Gastric ulcer Gastric cancer Duodenal ulcer Pernicious anemia

The nurse is assessing a client who is stating gastrointestinal upset and a feeling of bloating. Which type of meal would the nurse anticipate causing these types of symptoms?

Hamburger and French fries

A client with abdominal pain is scheduled for a CT scan of the abdomen with contrast. Which assessment will the nurse complete before transporting the client for the diagnostic test?

History of allergies

Gastrin has which of the following effects on gastrointestinal (GI) motility?

Increased motility of the stomach

A client is scheduled for an upper gastrointestinal barium study. Which teaching will the nurse provide for the client to prepare for this diagnostic test?

Ingest nothing by mouth after midnight.

The nurse is preparing to examine the abdomen of a client with reports of nausea and vomiting. What action would the nurse perform first?

Inspection

Which term describes a gastric secretion that combines with vitamin B12 so that it can be absorbed?

Intrinsic factor

Which of the following is an enzyme secreted by the gastric mucosa?

Pepsin

The nurse is instructing the client who was newly diagnosed with peptic ulcers. Which of the following diagnostic studies would the nurse anticipate reviewing with the client?

Serum antibodies for H. pylori

The instructor has just finished 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 structure as possibly being affected?

Stomach

What would the nurse recognize as preventing a client from being able to take a fecal occult blood test (FOBT)?

The client has hemorrhoidal bleeding

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.

The nurse prepares a client for a barium enema. The nurse should place the client on which diet prior to the procedure?

clear liquids day before

The nurse determines one or two bowel sounds in 2 minutes should be documented as

hypoactive.

When bowel sounds are heard about every 15 seconds, the nurse would record that the bowel sounds are

normal

A nurse is doing a physical assessment on a client with a GI disorder. Which position will the nurse most likely ask the client to assume when performing an abdominal examination?

supine with knees flexed slightly