Chapter 43: Assessment of Digestive and Gastrointestinal Function
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 upper GI should be scheduled before the ultrasonography. The client may eat a light meal before either test. The ultrasonography should be scheduled before the GI procedure. Both tests need to be done before breakfast.
The ultrasonography should be scheduled before the GI procedure. Explanation: Both an upper GI procedure with barium ingestion and an ultrasonography may be completed on the same day. The ultrasonography test should be completed first, because the barium solution could interfere with the transmission of the sound waves. The ultrasonography test uses sound waves that are passed into internal body structures, and the echoes are recorded as they strike tissues. Fluid in the abdomen prevents transmission of ultrasound.
While completing an abdominal assessment, the nurse will use which landmark as the upper boundary for auscultating bowel sounds? Umbilicus Symphysis pubis T12 to L3 vertebrae Xiphoid process
Xiphoid process Explanation: Understanding the division of the abdomen into four quadrants or nine regions helps the nurse to complete thorough assessment. The xiphoid process in the epigastric region is the upper boundary for auscultating bowel sounds.
When bowel sounds are heard about every 15 seconds, the nurse would record that the bowel sounds are absent. normal. sluggish. hypoactive.
normal. Explanation: Normal bowel sounds are heard every 5 to 20 seconds. Hypoactive bowel sound is the description given to auscultation of one to two bowel sounds in 2 minutes. Sluggish is not a term a nurse would use to accurately describe bowel sounds. The nurse records that bowel sounds are absent when no sound is heard in 3 to 5 minutes.
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 drink full liquids the day before the test." "I'll take a laxative to clear my bowels before the test." "There is no need for special preparation before the test." "I'll avoid eating or drinking anything 6 to 8 hours before the test."
"I'll avoid eating or drinking anything 6 to 8 hours before the test." Explanation: The client demonstrates understanding of a barium swallow when stating he or she must refrain from eating or drinking for 6 to 8 hours before the test. No other preparation is needed. Before a lower GI series, the client should eat a low-residue or clear liquid diet for 2 days and take a potent laxative and an oral liquid preparation.
Which of the following digestive enzymes aids in the digesting of starch? Amylase Lipase Trypsin Bile
Amylase Explanation: Digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas include trypsin, which aids in digesting protein; amylase, which aids in digesting starch; and lipase, which aids in digesting fats. Bile is secreted by the liver and is not considered a digestive enzyme.
Which of the following is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of liver disease? Biopsy Paracentesis Cholecystography Ultrasonography
Biopsy Explanation: Liver biopsy is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of liver disease. Paracentesis is the removal of fluid (ascites) from the peritoneal cavity through a puncture or a small surgical incision through the abdominal wall under sterile conditions. Cholecystography and ultrasonography may be used to detect gallstones.
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? Dark brown Red Green Black
Black Explanation: Ingestion of iron can cause the stool to turn black. Meat protein causes stool to appear dark brown. Ingestion of large amounts of spinach may turn stool green while ingestion of carrots and beets may cause stool to turn red.
Gastrin has which of the following effects on gastrointestinal (GI) motility? Increased motility of the stomach Relaxation of gastroesophageal sphincter Relaxation of the colon Contraction of the ileocecal sphincter
Increased motility of the stomach Explanation: Gastrin has the following effects on GI motility: increased motility of the stomach, excitation of the colon, relaxation of ileocecal sphincter, and contraction of the gastroesophageal sphincter.
A client is diagnosed with megaloblastic anemia caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. The health care provider begins the client on cyanocobalamin (Betalin-12), 100 mcg I.M. daily. Which substance influences vitamin B12 absorption? Liver enzyme Hydrochloric acid Intrinsic factor Histamine
Intrinsic factor Explanation: Vitamin B12 absorption depends on intrinsic factor, which is secreted by parietal cells in the stomach. The vitamin binds with intrinsic factor and is absorbed in the ileum. Hydrochloric acid, histamine, and liver enzymes don't influence vitamin B12 absorption.
What part of the GI tract begins the digestion of food? Esophagus Stomach Duodenum Mouth
Mouth Explanation: Food that contains starch undergoes partial digestion in the mouth when it mixes with the enzyme salivary amylase, which the salivary glands secrete. Food that contains starch undergoes partial digestion in the mouth.
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? Liver Stomach Ileum Large Intestine
Stomach Explanation: The upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract begins at the mouth and ends at the jejunum. Therefore, the stomach would be a component of the upper GI tract. The lower GI tract begins at the ileum and ends at the anus. The liver is considered an accessory structure.
A client is scheduled for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). During the client teaching, what will the nurse discuss? "You must remove all jewelry but can wear your wedding ring." "The examination will take only 15 minutes." "Do you experience any claustrophobia?" "You must be NPO for the day before the examination."
"Do you experience any claustrophobia?" Explanation: MRI is a noninvasive technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the area being studied. Clients must be NPO for 6 to 8 hours before the study and remove all jewelry and other metals. The examination takes 60 to 90 minutes and can induce feelings of claustrophobia, because the scanner is close fitting.
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? Observing for distended abdominal veins Checking if the mucous membranes are dry Examining the sclera if it is yellow Checking if the skin is discolored
Checking if the mucous membranes are dry Explanation: Mucous membranes may be dry, and skin turgor may be poor in clients suffering from dehydration as a result of fluid losses from the GI tract. Checking the skin for discoloration and inspecting the sclera if it is yellow is taken into consideration when the client could have symptoms of jaundice, not fluid losses. Distended abdominal veins are not associated with dehydration.
A client undergoing a diagnostic examination for gastrointestinal disorder was given polyethylene glycol/electrolyte solution as a part of the test preparation. Which of the following measures should the nurse take once the solution is administered? Provide saline gargles to the client. Instruct the client to have low-residue meals. Allow the client to ingest fat-free meal. Permit the client to drink only clear liquids.
Permit the client to drink only clear liquids. Explanation: After polyethylene glycol/electrolyte solution is administered, the client should have clear liquids because this ensures watery stools, which are necessary for procedures like a barium enema. Allowing the client to ingest a fat-free meal is used in preparation for oral cholecystography. Instructing the client to have low-residue meals is a pretest procedure for barium enema. A client is offered saline gargles after esophagogastroduodenoscopy.
When preparing a client for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen, which statement would indicate the need to notify the physician? "I will practice visualization to remain relaxed during the procedure." "I really don't like to be in small, enclosed spaces." "I haven't had anything to eat or drink since midnight last night." "I left all my jewelry and my watch at home."
"I really don't like to be in small, enclosed spaces." Explanation: An MRI scanner is a narrow, tunnel-like machine that will enclose the client during the test. Clients who are claustrophobic (fear enclosed spaces) may need sedation because it is imperative that they lie still and not panic during the test. Therefore, the nurse should notify the physician about the client's statement. Typically, the client is NPO for 6 to 8 hours before the test, and he or she must remove any metal objects, credit cards, jewelry, and watch before the test. Visualization will assist the client in relaxing during the procedure.
