Brunner Ch 38 digestive

16. A client is being assessed for a suspected deficit in intrinsic factor synthesis. What diagnostic or assessment finding is the most likely rationale for this examination of intrinsic factor production? A. Muscle wasting B. Chronic jaundice in the absence of liver disease C. The presence of fat in the client's stool D. Persistently low hemoglobin and hematocrit

D. Persistently low hemoglobin and hematocrit Rationale: In the absence of intrinsic factor, vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed, and pernicious anemia results. This would result in a marked reduction in hemoglobin and hematocrit.

17. A client with a recent history of intermittent bleeding is undergoing capsule endoscopy to determine the source of the bleeding. When explaining this diagnostic test to the client, what advantage should the nurse describe? A. The entire peritoneal cavity can be visualized. B. The test allows for painless biopsy collection. C. The capsule is endoscopically placed in the intestine. D. The test is noninvasive.

D. The test is noninvasive. Rationale: Capsule endoscopy allows for the noninvasive visualization of the mucosa of the small intestine. This procedure allows visualization of the GI tract, but not the peritoneal cavity. The capsule consists of a chip video camera without a mechanism to obtain a biopsy. The capsule is swallowed and is not endoscopically placed in the small intestine.

23. A client presents at the ambulatory clinic reporting recurrent sharp stomach pain that is relieved by eating. The nurse suspects that the client may have an ulcer. How should the nurse explain the formation and role of acid in the stomach to the client? A. "Hydrochloric acid is secreted by glands in the stomach in response to the actual or anticipated presence of food." B. "As digestion occurs in the stomach, the stomach combines free hydrogen ions from the food to form acid." C. "The body requires an acidic environment in order to synthesize pancreatic digestive enzymes; the stomach provides this environment." D. "The acidic environment in the stomach exists to buffer the highly alkaline environment in the esophagus."

A. "Hydrochloric acid is secreted by glands in the stomach in response to the actual or anticipated presence of food." Rationale: The stomach, which stores and mixes food with secretions, secretes a highly acidic fluid in response to the presence or anticipated ingestion of food. The stomach does not turn food directly into acid, and the esophagus is not highly alkaline. Pancreatic enzymes are not synthesized in a highly acidic environment.

3. A client has been brought to the emergency department with abdominal pain and is subsequently diagnosed with appendicitis. The client is scheduled for an appendectomy but questions the nurse about how a person's health is affected by the absence of the appendix. How should the nurse best respond? A. "Your appendix doesn't play a major role in health, so you won't notice any difference after your recovery from surgery." B. "The surgeon will encourage you to limit your fat intake for a few weeks after the surgery, but your body will then begin to compensate." C. "Your body will absorb slightly fewer nutrients from the food you eat, but you won't be aware of this." D. "Your small intestine will adapt over time to the absence of your appendix."

A. "Your appendix doesn't play a major role in health, so you won't notice any difference after your recovery from surgery." Rationale: The appendix is an appendage of the cecum (not the small intestine) that has little or no physiologic function. Its absence does not affect digestion or absorption.

30. A client has come to the outpatient radiology department for diagnostic testing that will allow the care team to evaluate and remove polyps. The nurse should prepare the client for what procedure? A. Colonoscopy B. Barium enema C. ERCP D. Upper gastrointestinal fibroscopy

A. Colonoscopy Rationale: During colonoscopy, tissue biopsies can be obtained, as needed, and polyps can be removed and evaluated. This is not possible during a barium enema, ERCP, or gastroscopy.

37. A client has been experiencing significant psychosocial stress in recent weeks. The nurse is aware of the hormonal effects of stress, including norepinephrine release. Release of this substance would have what effect on the client's gastrointestinal function? Select all that apply. A. Decreased motility B. Increased sphincter tone C. Increased enzyme release D. Inhibition of secretions E. Increased peristalsis

A. Decreased motility B. Increased sphincter tone D. Inhibition of secretions Rationale: Norepinephrine generally decreases GI motility and secretions, but increases muscle tone of sphincters. Norepinephrine does not increase the release of enzymes

2. A nurse is promoting increased protein intake to enhance a client's wound healing. What is the enzyme that will initiate the digestion of the protein that the client consumes? A. Pepsin B. Intrinsic factor C. Lipase D. Amylase

A. Pepsin Rationale: The enzyme that initiates the digestion of protein is pepsin. Intrinsic factor combines with vitamin B12 for absorption by the ileum. Lipase aids in the digestion of fats and amylase aids in the digestion of starch.

12. An advanced practice nurse is assessing the size and density of a client's abdominal organs. If the results of palpation are unclear to the nurse, what assessment technique should be implemented? A. Percussion B. Auscultation C. Inspection D. Rectal examination

A. Percussion Rationale: Percussion is used to assess the size and density of the abdominal organs and to detect the presence of air-filled, fluid-filled, or solid masses. Percussion is used either independently or concurrently with palpation because it can validate palpation findings.

39. A female client has presented to the emergency department with right upper quadrant pain; the health care provider has ordered abdominal ultrasound to rule out cholecystitis. The client expresses concern to the nurse about the safety of this diagnostic procedure. How should the nurse best respond? A. "Abdominal ultrasound is very safe, but it can't be performed if you're pregnant." B. "Abdominal ultrasound poses no known safety risks of any kind." C. "Current guidelines state that a person can have up to 3 ultrasounds per year." D. "Current guidelines state that a person can have up to 6 ultrasounds per year."

B. "Abdominal ultrasound poses no known safety risks of any kind." Rationale: An ultrasound produces no ill effects and there are not specific limits on its use, even during pregnancy.

35. A client has come to the clinic reporting blood in the stool. A fecal occult blood test is performed but is negative. Based on the client's history, the health care provider suggests a colonoscopy, but the client refuses, citing a strong aversion to the invasive nature of the test. What other test might the provider order to check for blood in the stool? A. A laparoscopic intestinal mucosa biopsy B. A fecal immunochemical test (FIT) C. Computed tomography (CT) D. Magnetic resonance imagery (MRI)

B. A fecal immunochemical test (FIT) Rationale: Fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) may be more accurate than guaiac testing and useful for clients who refuse invasive testing. CT or MRI cannot detect blood in stool. Laparoscopic intestinal mucosa biopsy is not performed.

11. A nurse has auscultated a client's abdomen and noted one or two bowel sounds in a 2-minute period of time. How should the nurse document the client's bowel sounds? A. Normal B. Hypoactive C. Hyperactive D. Paralytic ileus

B. Hypoactive Rationale: Documenting bowel sounds is based on assessment findings. The terms normal (sounds heard about every 5 to 20 seconds), hypoactive (one or two sounds in 2 minutes), hyperactive (5 to 6 sounds heard in less than 30 seconds), or absent (no sounds in 3 to 5 minutes) are frequently used in documentation. Paralytic ileus is a medical diagnosis that may cause absent or hypoactive bowel sounds, but the nurse would not independently document this diagnosis.

18. A nurse is caring for a client admitted with a suspected malabsorption disorder. The nurse knows that one of the accessory organs of the digestive system is the pancreas. What digestive enzymes does the pancreas secrete? Select all that apply. A. Pepsin B. Lipase C. Amylase D. Trypsin E. Ptyalin

B. Lipase C. Amylase D. Trypsin Rationale: 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. Pepsin is secreted by the stomach and ptyalin is secreted in the saliva.

26. A client's sigmoidoscopy has been successfully completed and the client is preparing to return home. What teaching point should the nurse include in the client's discharge education? A. The client should drink at least 2 liters of fluid in the next 12 hours. B. The client can resume a normal routine immediately. C. The client should expect fecal urgency for several hours. D. The client can expect some scant rectal bleeding.

B. The client can resume a normal routine immediately. Rationale: Following sigmoidoscopy, clients can resume their regular activities and diet. There is no need to push fluids, and neither fecal urgency nor rectal bleeding is expected.

7. A client has sought care because of recent dark-colored stools. As a result, a fecal occult blood test has been ordered. The nurse should give what instructions to the client? A. "Take no NSAIDs within 72 hours of the test." B. "Take prescribed medications as usual." C. "Avoid over-the-counter (OTC) vitamin C supplements." D. "Do not use fiber supplements before the test."

A. "Take no NSAIDs within 72 hours of the test." Rationale: In the past, clients were advised to avoid ingesting red meats, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, turnips, and horseradish for 72 hours prior to the study because it was thought that these were associated with false-positive results; likewise, clients were advised to avoid ingesting vitamin C from supplements or foods as it was believed that this was associated with false-negative results. However, these restrictions are no longer advised as their actual effects on test results have not been established; plus, they unnecessarily restricted client participation in screening.

1. A nurse is caring for a client who is scheduled for a colonoscopy and whose preparation will include polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage prior to the procedure. The presence of what health problem would contraindicate the use of this form of bowel preparation? A. Inflammatory bowel disease B. Intestinal polyps C. Diverticulitis D. Colon cancer

A. Inflammatory bowel disease Rationale: The use of a lavage solution is contraindicated in clients with intestinal obstruction or inflammatory bowel disease. It can safely be used with clients who have polyps, colon cancer, or diverticulitis.

8. The nurse is preparing to perform a client's abdominal assessment. What examination sequence should the nurse follow? A. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation B. Inspection, palpation, auscultation, and percussion C. Inspection, percussion, palpation, and auscultation D. Inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation

A. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Rationale: When performing a focused assessment of the client's abdomen, auscultation should always precede percussion and palpation because they may alter bowel sounds. The traditional sequence for all other focused assessments is inspection, palpation, percussion, and auscultation.

20. The nurse educator is reviewing the blood supply of the GI tract with a group of medical nurses. The nurse is explaining the fact that the veins that return blood from the digestive organs and the spleen form the portal venous system. What large veins will the nurse list when describing this system? Select all that apply. A. Splenic vein B. Inferior mesenteric vein C. Gastric vein D. Inferior vena cava E. Saphenous vein

A. Splenic vein B. Inferior mesenteric vein C. Gastric vein Rationale: This portal venous system is composed of five large veins: the superior mesenteric, inferior mesenteric, gastric, splenic, and cystic veins, which eventually form the vena portae that enters the liver. The inferior vena cava is not part of the portal system. The saphenous vein is located in the leg.

27. A nurse is caring for an 83-year-old client who is being assessed for recurrent and intractable nausea. What age-related change to the GI system may be a contributor to the client's health issues? A. Stomach emptying takes place more slowly. B. The villi and epithelium of the small intestine become thinner. C. The esophageal sphincter becomes incompetent. D. Saliva production decreases.

A. Stomach emptying takes place more slowly. Rationale: Delayed gastric emptying occurs in older adults and may contribute to nausea. Changes to the small intestine and decreased saliva production would be less likely to contribute to nausea. Loss of esophageal sphincter function is pathologic and is not considered an age-related change.

34. A medical client's CA 19-9 levels have become available and they are significantly elevated. How should the nurse best interpret this diagnostic finding? A. The client may have cancer, but other GI disease must be ruled out. B. The client most likely has early-stage colorectal cancer. C. The client has a genetic predisposition to gastric cancer. D. The client has cancer, but the site is unknown.

A. The client may have cancer, but other GI disease must be ruled out. Rationale: CA 19-9 levels are elevated in most clients with advanced pancreatic cancer, but they may also be elevated in other conditions such as colorectal, lung, and gallbladder cancers; gallstones; pancreatitis; cystic fibrosis; and liver disease. A cancer diagnosis cannot be made solely on CA 19-9 results.

15. A nurse is caring for clients in a stroke rehabilitation facility. Damage to what area of the brain will most affect a client's ability to swallow? A. Temporal lobe B. Medulla oblongata C. Cerebellum D. Pons

B. Medulla oblongata Rationale: Swallowing is a voluntary act that is regulated by a swallowing center in the medulla oblongata of the central nervous system. Swallowing is not regulated by the temporal lobe, cerebellum, or pons.

24. Results of a client's preliminary assessment prompted an examination of the client's carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels, which have come back positive. What is the nurse's most appropriate response to this finding? A. Perform a focused abdominal assessment. B. Prepare to meet the client's psychosocial needs. C. Liaise with the nurse practitioner to perform an anorectal examination. D. Encourage the client to adhere to recommended screening protocols.

B. Prepare to meet the client's psychosocial needs. Rationale: CEA is a protein that is normally not detected in the blood of a healthy person; therefore, when detected it indicates that cancer is present, but not what type of cancer is present. The client would likely be learning that he or she has cancer, so the nurse must prioritize the client's immediate psychosocial needs, not abdominal assessment. Future screening is not a high priority in the short term.

28. A client has been scheduled for a urea breath test in one month's time. What nursing diagnosis most likely prompted this diagnostic test? A. Impaired dentition related to gingivitis B. Risk for impaired skin integrity related to peptic ulcers C. Imbalanced nutrition: Less than body requirements related to enzyme deficiency D. Diarrhea related to Clostridium difficile infection

B. Risk for impaired skin integrity related to peptic ulcers. Rationale: Urea breath tests detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori, the bacteria that can live in the mucosal lining of the stomach and cause peptic ulcer disease. This test does not address fluid volume, nutritional status, or dentition.

13. The nurse is caring for a client with gastrointestinal symptoms who reports being under a significant amount of stress at home and at work. Which gastrointestinal effect of stress should the nurse anticipate is affecting this client? A. Increased gastric acid secretion B. Slowed peristalsis C. Increased enteric blood flow D. Relaxed sphincter muscles

B. Slowed peristalsis Rationale: Stress stimulates the sympathetic nervous system which slows motility in the gastrointestinal tract, reduces gastric secretions, and causes vasoconstriction. Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system causes the non-voluntary sphincters to relax.

10. A nurse is caring for a newly admitted client with a suspected GI bleed. The nurse assesses the client's stool after a bowel movement and notes it to be a tarry-black color. This finding is suggestive of bleeding from what location? A. Sigmoid colon B. Upper GI tract C. Large intestine D. Anus or rectum

B. Upper GI tract Rationale: Blood shed in sufficient quantities in the upper GI tract will produce a tarry-black color (melena). Blood entering the lower portion of the GI tract or passing rapidly through it will appear bright or dark red. Lower rectal or anal bleeding is suspected if there is streaking of blood on the surface of the stool or if blood is noted on toilet tissue.

22. A nurse is providing preprocedure education for a client who will undergo a lower GI tract study the following week. What should the nurse teach the client about bowel preparation? A. "You'll need to fast for at least 18 hours prior to your test." B. "Starting today, take over-the-counter (OTC) stool softeners twice daily." C. "You'll need to have enemas the day before the test." D. "For 24 hours before the test, insert a glycerin suppository every 4 hours."

C. "You'll need to have enemas the day before the test." Rationale: Preparation of the client includes emptying and cleansing the lower bowel. This often necessitates a low-residue diet 1 to 2 days before the test; a clear liquid diet and a laxative the evening before; NPO after midnight; and cleansing enemas until returns are clear the following morning.

4. An adult client is scheduled for an upper GI series that will use a barium swallow. What teaching should the nurse include when the client has completed the test? A. Stool will be yellow for the first 24 hours' postprocedure. B. The barium may cause diarrhea for the next 24 hours. C. Fluids must be increased to facilitate the evacuation of the stool. D. Slight anal bleeding may be noted as the barium is passed.

C. Fluids must be increased to facilitate the evacuation of the stool. Rationale: Postprocedural client education includes information about increasing fluid intake; evaluating bowel movements for evacuation of barium; and noting increased number of bowel movements. The number of bowel movement is noted because barium, due to its high osmolarity, may draw fluid into the bowel, thus increasing the intraluminal contents and resulting in greater output. Yellow stool, diarrhea, and anal bleeding are not expected.

25. A nurse is assessing the abdomen of a client just admitted to the unit with suspected GI disease. Inspection reveals several diverse lesions on the client's abdomen. How should the nurse best interpret this assessment finding? A. Abdominal lesions are usually due to age-related skin changes. B. Integumentary diseases often cause GI disorders. C. GI diseases often produce skin changes. D. The client needs to be assessed for self-harm.

C. GI diseases often produce skin changes. Rationale: Abdominal lesions are of particular importance because GI diseases often produce skin changes. Skin problems do not normally cause GI disorders. Age-related skin changes do not have a pronounced effect on the skin of the abdomen when compared to other skin surfaces. Self-harm is a less likely explanation for skin lesions on the abdomen.

32. A clinic client has described recent dark-colored stools, and the nurse recognizes the need for fecal occult blood testing (FOBT). What aspect of the client's current health status would contraindicate FOBT? A. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) B. Peptic ulcers C. Hemorrhoids D. Recurrent nausea and vomiting

C. Hemorrhoids Rationale: FOBT should not be performed when there is hemorrhoidal bleeding. GERD, peptic ulcers, and nausea and vomiting do not contraindicate the use of FOBT as a diagnostic tool.

29. A client asks the nursing assistant for a bedpan. When the client is finished, the nursing assistant notifies the nurse that the client has bright red streaking of blood in the stool. The nurse's assessment should focus on what potential cause? A. Diet high in red meat B. Upper GI bleed C. Hemorrhoids D. Use of iron supplements

C. Hemorrhoids Rationale: Lower rectal or anal bleeding is suspected if there is streaking of blood on the surface of the stool. Hemorrhoids are often a cause of anal bleeding since they occur in the rectum. Blood from an upper GI bleed would be dark rather than frank. Iron supplements make the stool dark, but not bloody and red meat consumption would not cause frank blood.

9. A client who has been experiencing changes in his bowel function is scheduled for a barium enema. What instruction should the nurse provide for postprocedure recovery? A. Remain NPO for 6 hours postprocedure. B. Administer a Fleet enema to cleanse the bowel of the barium. C. Increase fluid intake to evacuate the barium. D. Avoid dairy products for 24 hours' postprocedure.

C. Increase fluid intake to evacuate the barium. Rationale: Adequate fluid intake is necessary to rid the GI tract of barium. The client must not remain NPO after the test and enemas are not used to cleanse the bowel of barium. There is no need to avoid dairy products.

6. The nurse is caring for a client scheduled for a colonoscopy. The nurse should assist the client into what position during this diagnostic test? A. In a knee-chest position (lithotomy position) B. Lying prone with legs drawn toward the chest C. Lying on the left side with legs drawn toward the chest D. In a prone position with two pillows elevating the buttocks. Rationale: For best visualization, colonoscopy is performed while the client is lying on the left side with the legs drawn up toward the chest. A knee-chest position, lying on the stomach with legs drawn to the chest, and a prone position with two pillows elevating the legs do not allow for the best visualization.

C. Lying on the left side with legs drawn toward the chest. Rationale: For best visualization, colonoscopy is performed while the client is lying on the left side with the legs drawn up toward the chest. A knee-chest position, lying on the stomach with legs drawn to the chest, and a prone position with two pillows elevating the legs do not allow for the best visualization.

31. The nurse is caring for a client with a duodenal ulcer and is relating the client's symptoms to the physiologic functions of the small intestine. What do these functions include? Select all that apply. A. Secretion of hydrochloric acid (HCl) B. Reabsorption of water C. Secretion of mucus D. Absorption of nutrients E. Movement of nutrients into the bloodstream

C. Secretion of mucus D. Absorption of nutrients E. Movement of nutrients into the bloodstream Rationale: The small intestine folds back and forth on itself, providing a very large surface area for secretion and absorption, the process by which nutrients enter the bloodstream through the intestinal walls. Water reabsorption primarily takes place in the large bowel. HCl is secreted by the stomach.

21. The nurse is providing health education to a client with a gastrointestinal disorder. What should the nurse describe as a major function of the GI tract? A. The breakdown of food particles into cell form for digestion B. The maintenance of fluid and acid-base balance C. The absorption into the bloodstream of nutrient molecules produced by digestion D. The control of absorption and elimination of electrolytes

C. The absorption into the bloodstream of nutrient molecules produced by digestion Rationale: Primary functions of the GI tract include the breakdown of food particles into molecular form for digestion; the absorption into the bloodstream of small nutrient molecules produced by digestion; and the elimination of undigested unabsorbed food stuffs and other waste products. Nutrients must be broken down into molecular form, not cell form. Fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance are primarily under the control of the kidneys.

36. The nurse is providing a client with the supplies necessary to perform two hemoccult tests on the client's stool. What instruction should the nurse give this client? A. "If possible, fast for 12 hours before collecting a sample." B. "Take all your medications except the antihypertensive ones." C. "Don't eat highly acidic foods 72 hours before you start the test." D. "Mail the paper slides to the clinic once you've collected the samples."

D. "Mail the paper slides to the clinic once you've collected the samples." Rationale: In the past, clients were advised to avoid ingesting red meat, aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, turnips, and horseradish for 72 hours prior to the study because it was thought that these were associated with false-positive results; likewise, clients were advised to avoid ingesting vitamin C from supplements or foods as it was believed that this was associated with false-negative results. However, these restrictions are no longer advised as their actual effects on test results have not been established; plus, they unnecessarily restrict participation in screening. Fasting is unnecessary and samples are mailed in after they have been collected.

5. A nurse is caring for a client with recurrent hematemesis who is scheduled for upper gastrointestinal fibroscopy. How should the nurse in the radiology department prepare this client? A. Insert a nasogastric tube. B. Administer a micro Fleet enema at least 3 hours before the procedure. C. Have the client lie in a supine position for the procedure. D. Apply local anesthetic to the back of the client's throat.

D. Apply local anesthetic to the back of the client's throat. Rationale: Preparation includes spraying or gargling with a local anesthetic. A nasogastric tube or a micro Fleet enema is not required for this procedure. The client should be positioned in a side-lying position in case of emesis.

33. A client will be undergoing a urea breath test for the detection of Helicobacter pylori. Which instruction should the nurse give to the client to prepare for this test? A. Ingest a capsule of carbon-labeled urea ingested three days before the test. B. Take prescribed antibiotics one month before the test. C. Fast for 12 hours before the test. D. Avoid taking cimetidine 24 hours before the test.

D. Avoid taking cimetidine 24 hours before the test. Rationale: The client undergoing a urea breath test should avoid taking cimetidine for 24 hours before the test. The capsule with the carbon-labeled urea is ingested at the time of the test and a breath sample is obtained 10 to 20 minutes later. Antibiotics should be avoided for one month before the test. There is no need to fast for this test.

19. A nurse is performing an abdominal assessment of an older adult client. When collecting and analyzing data, the nurse should be cognizant of what age-related change in gastrointestinal structure and function? A. Increased gastric motility B. Decreased gastric pH C. Increased gag reflex D. Decreased mucus secretion

D. Decreased mucus secretion Rationale: Older adults tend to secrete less mucus than younger adults. Gastric motility slows with age and gastric pH rises due to decreased secretion of gastric acids. Older adults tend to have a blunted gag reflex compared to younger adults.

38. The nurse is caring for a client who has a diagnosis of AIDS. Inspection of the client's mouth reveals the new presence of white lesions on the client's oral mucosa. What is the nurse's most appropriate response? A. Encourage the client to gargle with salt water twice daily. B. Attempt to remove the lesions with a tongue depressor. C. Make a referral to the unit's dietitian. D. Inform the primary provider of this finding.

D. Inform the primary provider of this finding. Rationale: The nurse should inform the primary provider of this abnormal finding in the client's oral cavity, since it necessitates medical treatment. It would be inappropriate to try to remove skin lesions from a client's mouth and salt water will not resolve this problem, which is likely due to candidiasis. A dietitian referral is unnecessary.

14. A client has returned to the medical unit after a barium enema. When assessing the client's subsequent bowel patterns and stools, what finding would warrant reporting to the health care provider? A. Large, wide stools B. Milky white stools C. Three stools during an 8-hour period of time D. Streaks of blood present in the stool

D. Streaks of blood present in the stool Rationale: Barium has a high osmolarity and may draw fluid into the bowel, thus increasing the intraluminal contents and resulting in greater output (large stools). The barium will give the stools a milky white appearance, and it is not uncommon for the client to experience an increase in the number of bowel movements. Blood in fecal matter is not an expected finding and the nurse should notify accordingly.