Chapter 43: Assessment of Digestive and Gastrointestinal Function 2

"It indicates if a cancer is present."

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

Hyperactive

The nurse auscultates the abdomen to assess bowel sounds. She documents five to six sounds heard in less than 30 seconds. How does the nurse document the bowel sounds?

The stools may be a white or clay colored.

Which nursing instruction is correct to provide the client following a barium enema?

Permit the client to drink only clear liquids.

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?

Further investigate the initial complaint.

A few hours after eating hot and spicy chicken wings, a client presents with lower chest pain. He wonders if he is having a heart attack. How should the nurse proceed first?

"I'll avoid eating or drinking anything 6 to 8 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?

Stomach

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?

duodenum

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?

Increased motility of the stomach

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

difficulty swallowing

The nurse cares for a client after a gastroscopy for which the client received sedation. The nurse should report which finding to the physician?

Inspection Auscultation Percussion Palpation

The nurse is assessing the abdomen of the client with an undiagnosed disorder. In which sequence would the nurse conduct the abdominal assessment? Use all options.

Pentagastrin

The nurse is assisting the health care provider with a gastric acid stimulation test for a client. What medication should the nurse prepare to administer subcutaneously to stimulate gastric secretions?

"Having a bowel movement is a spinal reflex requiring intact nerve fibers. Yours are not intact."

The nurse is caring for a man who has experienced a spinal cord injury. Throughout his recovery, the client expects to gain control of his bowels. The nurse's best response to this client would be which of the following?

Serum antibodies for H. pylori

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?

Epigastric area and consider possible radiation of pain to the right subscapular region

The nurse is investigating a client's report of pain in the duodenal area. Where should the nurse perform the assessment?

inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation

The nurse performs an abdominal assessment. The nurse should peform the assessment in which order?

inflammatory bowel disease

The nurse prepares to administer the lavage solution to a client having a colostomy completed. The nurse stops and notifies the physician when noting that the client has which condition?

weakened gag reflex

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

Pepsin

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

Biopsy

Which of the following is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of liver disease?