Deck 24: Gastrointestinal System Disorders

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT true about fluoride treatment?

A) Fluoride comes in mouthwashes, toothpastes, tablets, and solutions.
B) Fluoride products are for the prevention of dental caries.
C) Fluoride products harden tooth enamel.
D) Fluoride products should be used by children who live in areas where water is not adequately fluorinated.
E) Fluoride tablets and solutions may be administered with meals and are better given with food because of the bad taste that follows administration.

Answer 1

Fluoride tablets and solutions may be administered with meals and are better given with food because of the bad taste that follows administration.

Question 2

Which of the following is NOT true about antisecretory medications?

A) They are nonsystemic in nature.
B) Like antacids, they alter the pH of the stomach.
C) They adhere to the gastric ulcer to form a mechanical protectant against hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes.
D) They are safe to give with antacids, especially those containing aluminum.
E) They can cause deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins.

Answer 2

Like antacids, they alter the pH of the stomach.

Question 3

Which of the following is NOT a side effect of medications used in the gastrointestinal tract?

A) constipation and diarrhea
B) nausea and vomiting
C) excessive thirst and excessive urination
D) abdominal cramping and pain
E) electrolyte imbalances and blurred vision

Answer 3

excessive thirst and excessive urination

Question 4

Which are magaldrate antacids?

A) 1 and 10
B) 2 and 5
C) 2, 6, and 10
D) 3, 6, and 10
E) 5 and 9

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT true?

A) Aluminum compounds cause constipation and do not change systemic pH.
B) Calcium compounds cause constipation and do not change systemic pH.
C) Magnesium compounds cause diarrhea and do not change systemic pH.
D) Sodium compounds do not cause diarrhea or constipation, nor do they change systemic pH.
E) Sodium compounds do not affect gastric motility, but they do change systemic pH.

Question 6

Which of the following is NOT true about antacids?

A) Antacids containing magnesium may be used to treat alcoholism.
B) Aluminum and magnesium salts are mixed to form magaldrate compounds that prevent common side effects of diarrhea and constipation.
C) They should not be taken with most medications because many medications require an acid environment to work.
D) Antiflatulents, such as simethicone, may be added to antacids.
E) They have no other indications except the treatment of gastric hyperacidity.

Question 7

Which are calcium-based antacids?

A) 5 and 9
B) 1 and 9
C) 4 and 5
D) 5 and 10
E) 6 and 10

Question 8

Which are magnesium-based compounds?

A) 2 and 4
B) 4 only
C) 4 and 6
D) 4 and 7
E) 6 and 7

Question 9

Antacids are used to treat which of the following?

A) acid rebound
B) peptic ulcers
C) GERD
D) hyperacidity of the stomach
E) all except a

Question 10

Which of the following are used in mouthwashes?

A) anesthetics
B) fluorides
C) oxygenating agents
D) phenols
E) all of the above

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT true of gastric pump inhibitors?

A) They are used for short-term treatment of gastric ulcers and GERD.
B) They may be used with antibiotics for H. pylori.
C) They work by inhibiting H⁺ and K⁺ needed to generate gastric acid.
D) They include omeprazole (Prilosec) and lansoprazole (Prevacid).
E) They are safe for treating ulcers before their confirmed diagnosis.

Question 12

Which are aluminum-based compounds?

A) 1 and 2
B) 3 and 5
C) 5 and 6
D) 3 only
E) 4 and 5

Question 13

Which are sodium preparations that must be used infrequently and with care?

A) 1 and 2
B) 2 and 3
C) 1 and 7
D) 7 and 10
E) 1 only

Question 14

Which of the following is NOT true about antiemetics?

A) They are used to treat emesis caused by signals from the GI tract reflexes.
B) They are used to treat emesis from chemotherapy compounds.
C) They are classified by their action on the body.
D) They are not effective with motion sickness.
E) They may be prescription items or OTC medications.

Question 15

Which of the following should not be given to persons with diabetes?

A) Tigan (trimethobenzamide HCl)
B) scopolamine
C) phenothiazines
D) phosphorated carbohydrate solution (Emetrol)
E) promethazine (Phenergan)

Question 16

Which of the following is NOT true of H₂-receptor antagonists that interact with histamine to inhibit gastric secretions?

A) They are not affected with food intake.
B) Antacids should be taken one hour after H₂-receptor antagonists.
C) They can be taken daily, twice a day, or even four times a day without regard to meals.
D) Cigarette smoking decreases the effects of H₂-receptor antagonists.
E) They should not be used for GERD.

Question 17

Which of the following is NOT true of prokinetic agents?

A) They stimulate gastrointestinal motility.
B) They lower pressure on the esophageal sphincter to increase gastric emptying time.
C) They are the treatment of choice for GERD.
D) Lifestyle changes and diet should be tried prior to using prokinetic agents such as cisapride (Propulsid) or metoclopramide (Reglan).
E) Side effects include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headache.

Question 18

Which of the following is true of oral antiviral agents?

A) Treatment of oral viral infections is palliative.
B) Acyclovir is used for symptomatic relief, such as local pain and encrusted lesions.
C) They may be topical or systemic.
D) Both b and c are true.
E) All of the above statements are true.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT true concerning antacids?

A) They have a short duration of action.
B) Chronic use of antacids has no effect systemically.
C) Food increases antacid duration of action; therefore these medications are best given following meals.
D) They should be taken 7 times a day.
E) They come in suspensions that must be shaken prior to administration and tablets that should be thoroughly chewed followed by a glass of water.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT true of antispasmodics?

A) They increase peristalsis in the gastrointestinal tract.
B) They are actually anticholinergics.
C) They decrease secretions and slow gastric motility.
D) They should be administered 30 minutes before meals.
E) They may cause drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, and headache.

Question 21

Which of the following is true of opioid/synthetic opioid medications for diarrhea?

A) They are available only by prescription.
B) They inhibit gastrointestinal motility, decrease hyperperistalsis, and allow the reabsorption of water and electrolytes.
C) Their side effects include agitation, tachycardia, drowsiness, and dryness of the mouth.
D) They include paregoric and diphenoxylate and atropine (Lomotil).
E) All of the above statements are true.

Question 22

Indiscriminate laxative use may lead to

A) dependence
B) loss of potassium
C) cardiac irregularities
D) a and b
E) all of the above

Question 23

Which of the following is true about diarrhea?

A) Management of diarrhea depends on finding the underlying cause.
B) Diarrhea may be caused by contaminated or spoiled food, bacterial infections, or nervous conditions.
C) Diarrhea is usually self-limiting; therefore chronic diarrhea should be evaluated for its cause.
D) Diarrhea in children may be a medical emergency.
E) All of the above statements are true.

Question 24

Which of the following is true of adsorbents used to treat diarrhea?

A) They act by coating the walls of the GI tract and absorbing toxins that cause diarrhea.
B) They are excreted with the stool.
C) They include activated charcoal, bismuth salts, kaolin, and pectin.
D) They are taken after each loose stool until diarrhea stops.
E) All of the above statements are true.

Question 25

Which of the following is NOT true of laxatives and cathartics?

A) Laxatives take longer to be effective than cathartics.
B) Laxatives and cathartics may be the same drug, but the dosage varies.
C) People need a bowel movement per day and should take laxatives and cathartics to ensure this normal body function.
D) Indiscriminate use of laxatives and cathartics leads to dependence and laxative abuse.
E) Advertising for OTC laxatives leads to habitual self-medication and reinforces misconceptions about laxative use.

Question 26

Which of the following is NOT true of stool softeners?

A) They are also called fecal moistening agents.
B) They have no relationship with water absorption.
C) They work by lubricating the rectum and increasing stool bulk.
D) They may be combined with laxatives, requiring 1 to 3 days for action.
E) They include docusate sodium (Colace) and docusate potassium (Dialose).

Question 27

Which of the following is NOT true of anorexiants?

A) They can stand on their own to produce long-term weight loss.
B) They work on the brain to decrease stimulation of the appetite center and produce tolerance in only a short period of time.
C) Short-acting anorexiants usually work for 3 to 4 hours and must be taken before each meal, while long-acting anorexiants last for 12 hours.
D) They may cause insomnia.
E) Their side effects include stimulation of the nervous system, dizziness, euphoria, fatigue, dry mouth, abdominal discomfort, and constipation.

Question 28

Which of the following is NOT true about taking medications for motion sickness?

A) They are best given prophylactically.
B) They should be taken when symptoms occur.
C) They may cause drowsiness.
D) They may be bought OTC or by prescription.
E) They may be administered as a transdermal patch.

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT true about constipation in older adults?

A) Older adults tend to have a decline in body function that may lead to constipation.
B) Older adults tend to use laxatives indiscriminately and not for true constipation.
C) Polypharmacy with older adults is a major problem, especially with laxatives.
D) Older adult patients use laxatives and cathartics.
E) Patient education in older adults is essential to decrease the misuse of laxatives.

Question 30

Which of the following is NOT true of stimulant laxatives?

A) They are absorbed and later secreted to increase peristalsis.
B) They require 10 to 12 hours to work.
C) Their side effects are abdominal cramping, nausea, and flatulence.
D) Diarrhea is common because intestinal motility is increased and water cannot be absorbed.
E) They include Dulcolax, cascara sagrada, and castor oil.

Question 31

Which of the following is NOT true of bowel evacuants?

A) They are used for normal constipation.
B) They are similar to normal body fluids, so medication is neither absorbed nor secreted into the intestines.
C) They are safe for use by patients who are sensitive to electrolyte imbalance.
D) They require drinking large amounts of fluid.
E) They may be stopped when rectal excretions become clear.

Question 32

Which of the following must be considered in administering stimulant laxatives?

A) The patient should be taught that cascara sagrada may discolor urine pink, red, or brown.
B) Tablets should not be crushed or chewed because of irritation to the stomach.
C) They should not be taken with milk or antacids.
D) Both a and b must be considered.
E) All of the above must be considered.

Question 33

Which of the following is NOT true of syrup of ipecac?

A) It is not absorbed but is removed in vomitus.
B) Vomiting should begin within 5 to 10 minutes of administration.
C) Its effects are stopped with activated charcoal.
D) It is an emetic that is used to promote vomiting.
E) It should be kept in a home emergency kit.

Question 34

In laxative abuse, the patient must

A) stop laxatives abruptly
B) go through bowel-retraining programs
C) make changes in lifestyle and diet
D) b and c
E) all of the above

Question 35

Which of the following is true of lubricant laxatives?

A) They allow water to penetrate the fecal mass.
B) They are oily and allow for easy passage of the stool from the rectum.
C) They work in 6 to 8 hours.
D) Glycerin suppositories work by increasing peristalsis in the colon.
E) All of the above statements are true.

Question 36

Which of the following is NOT true of osmotic saline laxatives?

A) They work by increasing the amount of water in the large intestines and feces.
B) They include milk of magnesia.
C) They may be dangerous to use for persons with heart disease and hypertension because of the fluid retention.
D) Cephulac contains fructose and lactose and should be used with care for persons with diabetes.
E) They work in response to the amount of medication given, making water replacement insignificant.

Question 37

Which of the following is NOT true of bulk-forming laxatives?

A) They increase bulk and modify the consistency of stools.
B) Their side effects are minimal and include flatulence.
C) They include Fiberall and bran and are typical of these medications that may be bought OTC.
D) They interfere with food absorption.
E) Their onset of action may be 12 hours to 3 days.

Question 38

Which of the following is important when administering syrup of ipecac?

A) It should be administered only after checking with the nearest Poison Control Center.
B) It should be followed by a full 8-ounce glass of water to induce vomiting.
C) Carbonated beverages may be used with syrup of ipecac if the person does not like to drink water.
D) Both a and b are important.
E) All of the above are important.

Question 39

Which of the following is NOT true about antiflatulents?

A) They are used to relieve gastric and intestinal distention.
B) They may be bought OTC.
C) They are used to treat excess swallowing of air, diverticulitis, peptic ulcers, and dyspepsia.
D) They are used to relieve gas following endoscopic examinations.
E) They have many side effects and should be used with extreme care.

Question 40

Which of the following are indications for laxative use?

A) emptying the intestines prior to diagnostic testing
B) emptying the bowel of a formed, soft stool because no bowel movement has occurred for 2 days with abdominal cramping and nausea.
C) following the administration of anthelmintic medications
D) all except b
E) all of the above

Question 41

Patients who have used topical anesthetic oral medications should not eat or drink until the mouth and throat have regained sensation.

Question 42

The number of tablets given for radiographic visualization of the gallbladder is a set number for each patient.

Question 43

Scopolamine, an anticholinergic medication, is available as a transdermal patch, orally, and by injection.

Question 44

Mouthwashes should not be used by children owing to the risk of swallowing the agents that are in a high-alcohol-content base; alcoholics should not use these medications either.

Question 45

Many medications used with gastrointestinal diseases are available OTC, and some may lead to habituation.

Question 46

Drugs such as Telepaque or Bilopaque may be given the night before radiographic testing to enhance the possibility of visualizing gallstones.

Question 47

Antiemetics may also be psychotherapeutic medications, especially those used with chemotherapy for cancer patients.

Question 48

Antacids should be taken on a regular basis, not just to relieve discomfort or pain.

Question 49

Pancreatic enzyme replacements are derived from animal sources.

Question 50

Medications used as saliva substitutes are found OTC with such names as "Entertainer's Secret."

Question 51

Antiflatulents include simethicone to decrease pockets of gas found in the intestinal tract.

Question 52

Pancreatic enzyme replacements are taken once a day.

Question 53

Medications to dissolve gallstones are effective for radiolucent stones from cholesterol.

Question 54

Pancreatic enzyme replacements are capsules containing enteric-coated microspheres of medication.

Question 55

Antiemetics are found on the DEA Controlled Substances Schedules.

Question 56

Medications can reverse the disease processes that occur from inadequate brushing and flossing of teeth.

Question 57

Mouthwashes are effective for halitosis (bad breath) caused by poor dental hygiene.

Question 58

Anticholinergics given for emesis are used to enhance acetylcholine and histamine production.

Question 59

Misoprostol (Cytotec) inhibits gastric secretions but cannot be used during pregnancy because it stimulates uterine contractions.

Question 60

Acid rebound occurs when antacids are taken on a regular basis over long periods of time.

Question 61

Constipation is not a direct result of the use of adsorbents.

Question 62

Bowel evacuants and routine medications may be given at the same time.

Question 63

Bulk-forming laxatives are the medication of choice during pregnancy.

Question 64

Castor oil passes through the stomach unchanged, causing irritation to the small intestines and rapid movement through the colon.

Question 65

The allied health professional should not worry about the use of laxatives by patients because this does not have any effect on other medications.

Question 66

Patient education about constipation should include that foods such as sugar and cheese may cause constipation.

Question 67

Laxatives are classified by their action in the intestines.

Question 68

Diarrhea is excess fluid in stools and excessive volume of the stool.

Question 69

Glycerin suppositories are the most appropriate treatment for children with constipation who are under 10 years of age.

Question 70

Lubricant laxatives include mineral oil, olive oil, and glycerin suppositories and are available OTC.

Question 71

Pepto-Bismol is an excellent antidiarrheal, antacid, and antiulcer medication.

Question 72

Medications may not be absorbed if they are given at the same time as adsorbent antidiarrheals.

Question 73

Antidiarrheals are used to treat diarrhea, a symptom of bowel disorder and not a medical condition itself.

Question 74

Most stimulant laxatives are from plant sources.

Question 75

The elderly should be taught to avoid constipating foods and to ensure adequate intake of fluids and foods that are high in fiber.

Question 76

A patient taking bowel evacuants may drink a gallon of liquid in 2 to 3 hours.

Question 77

Stimulant laxatives may be habit-forming.

Question 78

Antidiarrheal agents are adsorbents or opioid/synthetic opioid medications.

Question 79

Laxatives are indicated for suspicious intestinal obstructions to increase peristalsis and move the possible obstruction.

Question 80

Suppositories may cause rectal irritation.