Nursing prep u GI disorders upper and lower
The client is on a continuous tube feeding. The nurse determines the tube placement should be checked every
shift Each nurse caring for the client is responsible for verifying that the tube is located in the proper area for continuous feeding. Checking for placement each hour is unnecessary unless the client is extremely restless or there is basis for rechecking the tube due to other client activities. Checking for placement every 12 or 24 hours does not meet the standard of care for the client receiving continuous tube feedings. Chapter 39: Management of Patients with Oral and Esophageal Disorders - Page 1246
A client is recovering from a neck dissection. What volume of serosanguineous secretions would the nurse expect to drain over the first 24 hours?
80 to 120 mL Between 80 and 120 mL of serosanguineous secretions may drain over the first 24 hours. Chapter 39: Management of Patients with Oral and Esophageal Disorders - Page 1240
The nurse reviews dietary guidelines with a client who had a gastric banding. Which teaching points are included? Select all that apply.
Do not eat and drink at the same time. Drink plenty of water, from 90 minutes after each meal to 15 minutes before each meal. Avoid fruit drinks and soda. Total meal size should be restricted to less than 8 oz or 240 mL. Three meals a day are recommended. hapter 40: Management of Patients with Gastric and Duodenal Disorders.
Which medication is classified as a histamine-2 receptor antagonist?
Famotidine Famotidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist. Lansoprazole and esomeprazole are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Metronidazole is an antibiotic. Chapter 40: Management of Patients with Gastric and Duodenal Disorders - Page 1268
A client has a 3 lumen central line inserted into the subclavian vein for parenteral nutrition. Which approach will the nurse take to maintain patency?
Flush each port with diluted heparin in a 10 mL syringe once a shift. Flushing is necessary daily when the catheter is not in use. Lumens are flushed with normal saline or diluted heparin (10 U/mL) after each intermittent infusion and after blood drawing; a 10-mL syringe is to be used. Smaller volume syringes are not to be used because the pressure from smaller syringes is potentially harmful to the catheter. A 3-mL syringe with normal saline should not be used. Sterile water is not used to flush the lumens of a central line. A 2-mL syringe should not be used to flush the lumen of a central line. Chapter 41: Management of Patients with Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1314-1315
Gastrostomy feedings are preferred to nasogastric feedings in the comatose patient, because the:
Gastroesophageal sphincter is intact, lessening the possibility of regurgitation and aspiration. Gastrostomy is preferred over NG feedings in the patient who is comatose because the gastroesophageal sphincter remains intact. Regurgitation and aspiration are less likely to occur with a gastrostomy than with NG feedings. Chapter 39: Management of Patients with Oral and Esophageal Disorders - Page 1249
The instructor is teaching a group of students about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and antidiarrheal agents, the instructor determines that the teaching was effective when the students identify which of the following as an example of an antidiarrheal agent commonly administered for IBS?
Loperamide Loperamide is an opiate-related antidiarrheal agent. Lubiprostone is used to treat constipation; it activates chloride channels in the gastrointestinal tract to increase gastrointestinal transit. Dicyclomine, a smooth muscle antispasmodic agent, is used to treat pain accompanying IBS. Peppermint oil may also be taken to ease discomfort. Chapter 41: Management of Patients with Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1294-1295
Diet modifications for patient diagnosed with chronic inflammatory bowel disease include which of the following?
Low residue Oral fluids and a low-residue, high-protein, high-calorie diet with supplemental vitamin therapy and iron replacement are prescribed to meet the nutritional needs, reduce inflammation, and control pain and diarrhea.
Celiac disease (celiac sprue) is an example of which category of malabsorption?
Mucosal disorders causing generalized malabsorption Celiac disease (celiac sprue, gluten-sensitive enteropathy) results from a toxic response to the gliadin component of gluten by the surface epithelium of the intestine; eventually, the mucosal villi of the small intestine become denuded and cannot function. Crohn's disease (regional enteritis) and radiation enteritis are other examples of mucosal disorders. Examples of infectious diseases causing generalized malabsorption include small-bowel bacterial overgrowth, tropical sprue, and Whipple disease. Examples of luminal problems causing malabsorption include bile acid deficiency, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and pancreatic insufficiency. Postoperative gastric or intestinal resection and cancer can result in development of a lymphatic malabsorption syndrome, in which there is interference with the transport of the fat by-products of digestion into the systemic circulation. Chapter 41: Management of Patients with Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1295
A client with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis is awaiting surgical intervention. The nurse listens to bowel sounds and hears none and observes that the abdomen is rigid and board-like. What complication does the nurse determine may be occurring at this time?
Peritonitis Lack of bowel motility typically accompanies peritonitis. The abdomen feels rigid and board-like as it distends with gas and intestinal contents. Bowel sounds typically are absent. The diagnosis of acute appendicitis correlates with the symptoms of rupture of the appendix and peritonitis. A paralytic ileus and gas alone do not produce these symptoms. Chapter 41: Management of Patients with Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1298
A client is preparing for discharge to home following a partial gastrectomy and vagotomy. Which is the best rationale for the client being taught to lie down for 30 minutes after each meal?
Slows gastric emptying Dumping syndrome is a common complication following subtotal gastrectomy. To avoid the rapid emptying of stomach contents, resting after meals can be helpful. Promoting rest after a major surgery is helpful in recovery but not the reason for resting after meals. Following this type of surgery, clients will have a need for vitamin B12 supplementation due to absence of production of intrinsic factor in the stomach. Resting does not increase absorption of B12 or remove tension on suture line. Chapter 40: Management of Patients with Gastric and Duodenal Disorders - Page 1279
A client is newly diagnosed with stomach cancer. The nurse will plan to provide the client education on which treatment?
Surgery Surgery is more hazardous for the older adult, and the risk increases proportionately with increasing age. Nonetheless, gastric cancer should be treated with surgery in older patients. Other treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy will be decided after surgery. Intermittent monitoring is not a treatment option for gastric cancer in the older adult Chapter 40: Management of Patients with Gastric and Duodenal Disorders - Page 1280
A client is readmitted with an exacerbation of celiac disease 2 weeks after discharge. Which statement by the client indicates the need for a dietary consult?
"I didn't eat anything I shouldn't have; I just ate roast beef on rye bread." The client stating that he ate roast beef on rye bread indicates the need for a dietary consult because rye bread contains gluten, which must be eliminated from the client's diet. The client stating that he's followed the ordered medication regimen and diet doesn't suggest that the client needs a dietary consult; a treatment regimen consisting of medications to improve symptoms and dietary modification is necessary to treat celiac disease. The client stating that he hasn't traveled outside of the country doesn't suggest that dietary concerns exist. The client saying that he can't have oatmeal shows an understanding of the dietary restrictions necessary with celiac disease. Chapter 41: Management of Patients with Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1297
A client with peptic ulcer disease must begin triple medication therapy. For how long will the client follow this regimen?
10 to 14 days Recommended therapy for 10 to 14 days includes triple therapy with two antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole [Flagyl] or amoxicillin [Amoxil] and clarithromycin [Biaxin]) plus a proton pump inhibitor (e.g., lansoprazole [Prevacid], omeprazole [Prilosec], or rabeprazole [Aciphex]), or quadruple therapy with two antibiotics (metronidazole and tetracycline) plus a proton pump inhibitor and bismuth salts (Pepto-Bismol). Chapter 40: Management of Patients with Gastric and Duodenal Disorders - Page 1272
The nurse inserts a nasogastric tube into the right nares of a patient. When testing the tube aspirate for pH to confirm placement, what does the nurse anticipate the pH will be if placement is in the lungs?
6 Determining the pH of the tube aspirate is a more accurate method of confirming tube placement than is maintaining tube length or visually assessing tube aspirate. The pH method can also be used to monitor the advancement of the tube into the small intestine. The pH of gastric aspirate is acidic (1 to 5), typically less than 4. The pH of intestinal aspirate is approximately 6 or higher, and the pH of respiratory aspirate is more alkaline Chapter 39: Management of Patients with Oral and Esophageal Disorders - Page 1246
When assessing a client during a routine checkup, the nurse reviews the history and notes that the client had aphthous stomatitis at the time of the last visit. How is aphthous stomatitis best described by the nurse
A canker sore of the oral soft tissues Aphthous stomatitis refers to a canker sore of the oral soft tissues, including the lips, tongue, and inside of the cheeks. Aphthous stomatitis isn't an acute stomach infection, acid indigestion, or early sign of peptic ulcer disease , Chapter 39: Management of Patients with Oral and Esophageal Disorders, DISORDERS OF THE ORAL CAVITY, p. 1230.
A client has developed an anorectal abscess. Which client is likely at risk for the development of this type of abscess?
A client with Crohn's disease An anorectal abscess is common in clients with Crohn's disease. The other disorders do not predispose the client to risk for anorectal abscess. Chapter 41: Management of Patients with Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1334
When caring for a client with an acute exacerbation of a peptic ulcer, the nurse finds the client doubled up in bed with severe pain in the right shoulder. What is the initial appropriate action by the nurse?
Assess the client's abdomen and vital signs. Signs and symptoms of perforation includes sudden, severe upper abdominal pain (persisting and increasing in intensity); pain may be referred to the shoulders, especially the right shoulder, because of irritation of the phrenic nerve in the diaphragm. The nurse should assess the vital signs and abdomen prior to notifying the physician. Irrigation of the NG tube should not be performed because the additional fluid may be spilled into the peritoneal cavity, and the client should be placed in a position of comfort, usually on the side with the head slightly elevated.
A client with achalasia recently underwent pneumatic dilation. The nurse intervenes after the procedure by
Assessing lung sounds Esophageal perforation is a risk following dilation of the esophagus. One way to assess is auscultating lung sounds. Airway and breathing are priorities according to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. The client is kept NPO until the gag reflex has returned. A barium swallow may be performed after as esophageal dilation if a perforation is suspected. Pain medication is administered for the procedure, but the client should have little pain after the procedure. Pain could indicate perforation.
The nurse instructs the client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) regarding dietary measures. Which action by the client demonstrates that the client has understood the recommended dietary changes
Avoiding chocolate and coffee. Chocolate, tea, cola, and caffeine lower esophageal sphincter pressure, thereby increasing reflux. Clients do not need to eliminate spicy foods unless such foods bother them. Foods with seeds are restricted in diverticulosis. Steamed foods are encouraged to retain vitamins and decrease fat intake. Chapter 39: Management of Patients with Oral and Esophageal Disorders - Page 1257
A patient with IBD would be encouraged to increase fluids, use vitamins and iron supplements, and follow a diet designed to reduce inflammation. Select the meal choice that would be recommended for a low-residue diet.
Broiled chicken with low-fiber pasta A low-residue, high-protein, and high-calorie diet is recommended to reduce the size and number of stools. Foods to avoid include yogurt, fruit, salami, and peanut butter. Chapter 41: Management of Patients with Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1308-1309
The nurse is irrigating a client's colostomy when the client begins to report cramping. What is the appropriate action by the nurse?
Clamp the tubing and allow client to rest. The nurse should clamp the tubing and allow the client to rest when the client begins to report cramping during colostomy irrigation. Once the cramping has stopped, the nurse can resume the irrigation Chapter 41: Management of Patients with Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1323
A client sustained second- and third-degree burns over 30% of the body surface area approximately 72 hours ago. What type of ulcer should the nurse be alert for while caring for this client?
Curling's ulcer Curling's ulcer is frequently observed about 72 hours after extensive burns and involves the antrum of the stomach or the duodenum. Peptic, esophageal, and Meckel's ulcers are not related to burn injuries.
The nurse is caring for a client receiving enteral nutrition with a standard polymeric formula. For which reason will the nurse question using this formula for the client?
Diagnosed with malabsorption syndrome Various tube feeding formulas are available commercially. Polymeric formulas are the most common and are composed of protein (10% to 15%), carbohydrates (50% to 60%), and fats (30% to 35%). Standard polymeric formulas are undigested and require that the client has relatively normal digestive function and absorptive capacity. This type of formula should be questioned because the client is diagnosed with malabsorption syndrome. There is no reason to question the client for a history of diverticulitis, treatment for internal hemorrhoids, or removal of polyps.
Which is the primary symptom of achalasia? A rare disorder making it difficult for food and liquid to pass into the stomach.
Difficulty swallowing The primary symptom of achalasia is difficulty in swallowing both liquids and solids. The client may also report chest pain and heartburn that may or may not be associated with eating. Secondary pulmonary complications may result from aspiration of gastric contents. Chapter 39: Management of Patients with Oral and Esophageal Disorders - Page 1253
A client who had a Roux-en-Y bypass procedure for morbid obesity ate a chocolate chip cookie after a meal. After ingestion of the cookie, the client reported cramping pains, dizziness, and palpitation. After having a bowel movement, the symptoms resolved. What should the nurse educate the client about regarding this event?
Dumping syndrome Dumping syndrome is an unpleasant set of vasomotor and GI symptoms that occur in up to 76% of patients who have had bariatric surgery. Early symptoms include a sensation of fullness, weakness, faintness, dizziness, palpitations, diaphoresis, cramping pains, and diarrhea. These symptoms resolve once the intestine has been evacuated (i.e., with defecation).
When caring for a client with the impaired swallowing related to neuromuscular impairment, what is the nurse's priority intervention
Elevate the head of the bed 90 degrees during meals. The head of the bed must be elevated while the client is eating. The client should be placed in a recumbent position — not a supine position — when lying down to reduce the risk of aspiration. The nurse should encourage the client to wear properly fitted dentures to enhance his chewing ability. Thick liquids — not thin — decrease the risk of aspiration. Chapter 39: Management of Patients with Oral and Esophageal Disorders - Page 1246
Which of the following is the most common complication associated with peptic ulcer?
Hemorrhage Hemorrhage, the most common complication, occurs in 28% to 59% of patients with peptic ulcers. Vomiting, elevated temperature, and abdominal pain are not the most common complications of a peptic ulcer. Chapter 40: Management of Patients with Gastric and Duodenal Disorders - Page 1276
A client with Crohn's disease is losing weight. For which reason will the nurse anticipate the client being prescribed parenteral nutrition?
Impaired ability to absorb food A client with Crohn's disease will have an impaired ability to ingest or absorb food orally or enterally. Clients with severe burns, malnutrition, short-bowel syndrome, AIDS, sepsis, and cancer would need parenteral nutrition because of insufficient oral intake. Unwillingness to ingest nutrients orally would cause a client with a major psychiatric illness to need parenteral nutrition. Prolonged surgical nutritional needs such as what occurs after extensive bowel surgery or acute pancreatitis would necessitate the need for parenteral nutrition Chapter 41: Management of Patients with Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1313
Which is the most prominent sign of inflammatory bowel disease?
Intermittent pain and diarrhea The most prominent symptom is intermittent pain that occurs with diarrhea but does not decrease after defecation. Abdominal distention, hyperactive bowel sounds, and increased peristalsis are not the most prominent signs. Chapter 41: Management of Patients with Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1293
A patient visited a nurse practitioner because he had diarrhea for 2 weeks. He described his stool as large and greasy. The nurse knows that this description is consistent with a diagnosis of:
Intestinal malabsorption. Watery stools are characteristic of disorders of the small bowel, whereas loose, semisolid stools are associated more often with disorders of the large bowel. Large, greasy stools suggest intestinal malabsorption, and the presence of mucus and pus in the stools suggests inflammatory enteritis or colitis. Chapter 41: Management of Patients with Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1291
A client who reports increasing difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and fatigue is diagnosed with esophageal cancer. Because this client has difficulty swallowing, what should the nurse assign highest priority to?
Maintaining a patent airway Rapid growth of cancer cells in the esophagus may put pressure on the adjacent trachea, jeopardizing the airway. Therefore, maintaining a patent airway is the highest care priority for a client with esophageal cancer. Helping the client cope with body image changes, ensuring adequate nutrition, and preventing injury are appropriate for a client with this disease, but are less crucial than maintaining airway patency. Chapter 39: Management of Patients with Oral and Esophageal Disorders - Page 1261
Vomiting results in which of the following acid-base imbalances?
Metabolic alkalosis Vomiting results in loss of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and potassium from the stomach, leading to a reduction of chlorides and potassium in the blood and to metabolic alkalosis. Chapter 41: Management of Patients with Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1303
A client undergoes total gastrectomy. Several hours after surgery, the nurse notes that the client's nasogastric (NG) tube has stopped draining. How should the nurse respond?
Notify the health care provider. The nurse should notify the health care provider because an NG tube that fails to drain during the postoperative period may be clogged, which could increase pressure on the suture site because fluid isn't draining adequately. Repositioning or irrigating an NG tube in a client who has undergone gastric surgery can disrupt the anastomosis. Increasing the level of suction may cause trauma to GI mucosa or the suture line
A nurse practitioner, who is treating a patient with GERD, knows that this type of drug helps treat the symptoms of the disease. The drug classification is:
Proton pump inhibitors. Proton pump inhibitors are the strongest inhibitors of acid secretions. The H2-receptor antagonists are the next most powerful. Chapter 39: Management of Patients with Oral and Esophageal Disorders - Page 1258
Which of the following is the most successful treatment for gastric cancer?
Removal of the tumor There is no successful treatment for gastric carcinoma except removal of the tumor. If the tumor can be removed while it is still localized to the stomach, the patient may be cured. If the tumor has spread beyond the area that can be excised, cure is less likely.
A nursing instructor is preparing a class about gastrointestinal intubation. Which of the following would the instructor include as reason for this procedure? Select all that apply.
Remove gas and fluids from the stomach Diagnose gastrointestinal motility disorders Flush ingested toxins from the stomach Administer nutritional substances Gastrointestinal intubation is used to decompress the stomach and remove gas and fluids, lavage the stomach and remove ingested toxins or other harmful materials, diagnose disorders of GI motility, administer medications and feedings, compress a bleeding site, and aspirate gastric contents for analysis. Because gastrointestinal intubation involves the insertion of a tube into the stomach, beyond the pylorus into the duodenum or jejunum, it could not be used to evaluate for masses in the large colon. Chapter 39: Management of Patients with Oral and Esophageal Disorders.
A client is in the hospital for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. The client reports vomiting and a sudden severe pain in the abdomen. The nurse then assesses a board-like abdomen. What does the nurse suspect these symptoms indicate?
Signs and symptoms of perforation include the following: Sudden, severe upper abdominal pain (persisting and increasing in intensity), which may be referred to the shoulders, especially the right shoulder, because of irritation of the phrenic nerve in the diaphragm; vomiting; collapse (fainting); extremely tender and rigid (board-like) abdomen; and hypotension and tachycardia, indicating shock. Chapter 40: Management of Patients with Gastric and Duodenal Disorders - Page 1272
The nurse is inserting a Levin tube for a patient for gastric decompression. The tube should be inserted to 6 to 10 cm beyond what length?
The distance measured from the tip of the nose to the earlobe and from the earlobe to the xiphoid process Chapter 39: Management of Patients with Oral and Esophageal Disorders, DELIVERING NUTRITION ENTERALLY, p. 1245. Before inserting the tube, the nurse determines the length that will be needed to reach the stomach or the small intestine. A mark is made on the tube to indicate the desired length. This length is traditionally determined by (1) measuring the distance from the tip of the nose to the earlobe and from the earlobe to the xiphoid process, and (2) adding up to 15 cm (6 in) for NG placement or at least 20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) or more for intestinal placement.
A client reports taking a stimulant laxative in order to be able to have a bowel movement daily. What should the nurse inform the client about taking a stimulant laxative?
They can be habit forming and will require increasing doses to be effective. The nurse should discourage self-treatment with daily or frequent enemas or laxatives. Chronic use of such products causes natural bowel function to be sluggish. In addition, laxatives continuing stimulants can be habit forming, requiring continued use in increasing doses. Although the nurse should encourage the client to have adequate fluid intake, laxative use should not be encouraged. The laxative may interact with other medications the client is taking and may cause a decrease in absorption. A fiber supplement may be taken alone but should not be taken with a stimulant laxative. Chapter 41: Management of Patients with Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1298
The nurse is conducting a gastrointestinal assessment. When the client reports the presence of mucus and pus in the stool, the nurse assesses for additional signs/symptoms of which disease/condition?
Ulcerative colitis The presence of mucus and pus in the stool suggests ulcerative colitis. Watery stools are characteristic of small-bowel disease. Loose, semisolid stools are associated more often with disorders of the colon. Voluminous, greasy stools suggest intestinal malabsorption. Chapter 41: Management of Patients with Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1307
Cardiac complications, which may occur following resection of an esophageal tumor, are associated with irritation of which nerve at the time of surgery?
Vagus Cardiac complications include atrial fibrillation, which occurs due to irritation of the vagus nerve at the time of surgery. The hypoglossal nerve controls muscles of the tongue. The vestibulocochlear nerve functions in hearing and balance. The trigeminal nerve functions in chewing of food. Chapter 39: Management of Patients with Oral and Esophageal Disorders - Page 1262
After a client received a diagnosis of gastric cancer, the surgical team decides that a Billroth II would be the best approach to treatment. How would the nurse explain this procedure to the family?
Wide resection of the middle and distal portions of the stomach with removal of about 75% of the stomach The Billroth I involves a limited resection and offers a lower cure rate than the Billroth II. The Billroth II procedure is a wider resection that involves removing approximately 75% of the stomach and decreases the possibility of lymph node spread or metastatic recurrence. A proximal subtotal gastrectomy may be performed for a resectable tumor located in the proximal portion of the stomach or cardia. A total gastrectomy or an esophagogastrectomy is usually performed in place of this procedure to achieve a more extensive resection.
A client who can't tolerate oral feedings begins receiving intermittent enteral feedings. When monitoring for evidence of intolerance to these feedings, what must the nurse remain alert for?
diaphoresis, vomiting, and diarrhea. The nurse must monitor for diaphoresis, vomiting, and diarrhea because these signs suggest an intolerance to the ordered enteral feeding solution. Other signs and symptoms of feeding intolerance include abdominal cramps, nausea, aspiration, and glycosuria. Electrolyte disturbances, constipation, dehydration, and hypercapnia are complications of enteral feedings, not signs of intolerance. Hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia, is a potential complication of enteral feedings. Chapter 39: Management of Patients with Oral and Esophageal Disorders - Page 1244
The nurse recognizes that the client diagnosed with a duodenal ulcer will likely experience
pain 2 to 3 hours after a meal. The client with a duodenal ulcer often awakens between 1 and 2 with pain, and ingestion of food brings relief. Vomiting is uncommon in the client with duodenal ulcer. Hemorrhage is less likely in the client with duodenal ulcer than in the client with gastric ulcer. The client with a duodenal ulcer may experience weight gain Chapter 40: Management of Patients with Gastric and Duodenal Disorders - Page 1272