Deck 18: Gastrointestinal Alterations

Question 1

The nurse is caring for a patient with a heart rate of 140 beats/min.The provider orders parasympathetic medications to slow down the heart rate.With this type of medication,the nurse should

A) evaluate the patient for symptoms of constipation.
B) observe for diarrhea.
C) assess mucous membranes for signs of dryness.
D) expect decreased bowel sounds.

Answer 1

observe for diarrhea.

Question 2

The patient is admitted with generalized fatigue and low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.The patient denies vomiting and states that the last bowel movement earlier that day was normal in color and consistency.However,because GI blood loss can be a cause of anemia,the nurse should expect to

A) obtain a stool sample for guaiac testing.
B) chart that the patient reports the presence of melena in his stool.
C) inspect the patient's next stool for the presence of coffee-ground contents.
D) obtain guaiac positive stools only if bleeding is current.

Answer 2

obtain a stool sample for guaiac testing.

Question 3

When assessing bowel sounds,the nurse

A) uses the "bell" part of the stethoscope.
B) listens at least 15 minutes.
C) expects bowel sounds to be regular in rhythm.
D) listens for 5 minutes before noting "absent bowel sounds."

Answer 3

listens for 5 minutes before noting "absent bowel sounds."

Question 4

After gastric bypass surgery,the patient is getting vitamin B₁₂ injections.The patient asks about the purpose of this vitamin.The nurse explains that

A) vitamin B₁₂ is needed for the formation of red blood cells.
B) vitamin B₁₂ is needed to prevent a type of anemia.
C) vitamin B₁₂ is essential for surgical wound healing.
D) vitamin B₁₂ is always deficient in obese people.

Question 5

The nurse is assessing the patient and notices that the oral cavity is only slightly moist and contains a scant amount of thick saliva even though the patient's fluid intake has been sufficient.The nurses realizes that the condition of the patient's mouth is probably caused by

A) thoughts of food.
B) sympathetic nerve stimulation.
C) overstimulation of the sublingual glands.
D) parasympathetic nerve stimulation.

Question 6

When assessing the patient's bowel sounds,the nurse

A) listens to the abdomen after palpation is done.
B) places the patient in a relaxed prone position.
C) listens to bowel sounds before palpation.
D) places a pillow over the patient's knees.

Question 7

The nurse is assessing a patient who is admitted with abdominal pain.To detect abdominal masses,the nurse

A) observes for skin pigmentation and discolorations.
B) looks for pulsations originating from the vena cava.
C) has the patient take a deep breath.
D) watches for signs of pain and distension.

Question 8

The nurse is caring for a patient who is passing bright red blood rectally.The nurse should expect to insert a nasogastric tube to

A) rule out massive upper GI bleeding.
B) detect the presence of melena in the stomach.
C) visually determine the presence of occult bleeding.
D) obtain samples for guaiac to confirm current bleeding.

Question 9

The liver plays a major role in homeostasis by

A) synthesizing factor I but not factor II.
B) synthesizing clotting factors without the need for vitamin K.
C) removing active clotting factors from the circulation.
D) synthesizing factor II but not factor I.

Question 10

In assessing the patient complaining of abdominal pain,it is important for the nurse to understand that

A) pain receptors in the abdomen are more likely to be localized.
B) pain of a peptic ulcer is easily distinguished from that of heart attack.
C) visceral pain often leads to tachycardia and hypertension.
D) increasing intensity of pain is always significant.

Question 11

The patient is being admitted to the hospital.At home,the patient takes an over-the-counter supplement of vitamin D and is concerned because the doctor did not order that vitamin D to be given in the hospital.The nurse explains that

A) the body does not store vitamins so the doctor will have to be called.
B) the kidneys will produce enough vitamin D and that supplements are not needed.
C) over-the-counter supplements are never given in the hospital.
D) vitamin D is stored in the liver with a 10-month supply to prevent deficiency.

Question 12

The patient is admitted with upper GI bleeding following an episode of forceful retching following excessive alcohol intake.The nurse suspects a Mallory-Weiss tear and is aware that

A) a Mallory-Weiss tear is a longitudinal tear in the gastroesophageal mucosa.
B) this type of bleeding is treated by giving chewable aspirin.
C) the bleeding, although impressive, is self-limiting with little actual blood loss.
D) it is not usually associated with alcohol intake or retching.

Question 13

The patient is admitted with constipation.In anticipation of treatment,the nurse prepares to:

A) give medications that will suppress the autonomic nervous system.
B) provide therapies that will innervate the autonomic nervous system.
C) teach the patient that the submucosa is the innermost part of the gut wall.
D) give medications intravenously because the submucosa has no blood vessels.

Question 14

The liver detoxifies the blood by

A) converting fat-soluble compounds to water-soluble compounds.
B) converting water-soluble compounds to fat-soluble compounds.
C) excreting fat-soluble compounds in feces.
D) metabolizing inactive toxic substances to active forms.

Question 15

The nurse is caring for a patient with liver disease.When assessing the patient's laboratory values,the nurse should

A) disregard the level of conjugated bilirubin.
B) assess the total bilirubin
C) call the provider immediately if the direct bilirubin is elevated.
D) be aware that unconjugated bilirubin is harmless.

Question 16

The nurse is assessing a patient admitted with pancreatitis.In doing so,the nurse

A) palpates the pancreas for size and shape.
B) emphasizes to the patient that pancreatic inflammation does not spread.
C) assesses symptoms that could indicate involvement of the stomach.
D) explains to the patient that back pain is not a sign of pancreatitis.

Question 17

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a peptic ulcer.To treat the ulcer and prevent more ulcers from forming,the nurse should be prepared to administer

A) H₂-histamine receptor blockers.
B) gastrin.
C) vagal stimulation.
D) vitamin B₁₂.

Question 18

Infection by Helicobacter pylori bacteria is a major cause of

A) duodenal ulcers.
B) Cushing's ulcers.
C) Curling's ulcers.
D) stress ulcers.

Question 19

The nurse is caring for a patient with the diagnosis of sepsis.The patient is on a ventilator in the critical care unit,and is receiving a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)to reduce the risk for a stress ulcer.In this scenario,a stress ulcer is likely to be secondary to

A) infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria.
B) decreased acetylcholine production.
C) a decreased number of parietal cells.
D) ischemia associated with sepsis.

Question 20

The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving several cardiac medications designed to stimulate the sympathetic nervous system,vitamin B₁₂,and an H₂ blocker.The nurse should do which of the following?

A) Assess for signs of peptic ulcer.
B) Be watchful for increased saliva production.
C) Evaluate for a decrease in potassium level.
D) Give the patient medications to prevent anemia.

Question 21

The patient is admitted with pancreatitis and has severe ascites.In caring for this patient,the nurse should

A) monitor the patient's blood pressure and evaluate for signs of dehydration.
B) restrict intravenous and oral fluid intake because of fluid shifts.
C) avoid the use of colloid IV solutions in managing the patient's fluid status.
D) only use crystalloid fluids to prevent IV lines from clotting.

Question 22

The nurse is caring for a patient with severe pancreatitis who is orally intubated and on mechanical ventilation.The patient's calcium level this morning was 5.5 mg/dL.The nurse notifies the provider and

A) places the patient on seizure precautions.
B) expects that the provider will come and remove the endotracheal tube.
C) withholds any further calcium treatments.
D) places an oral airway at the bedside.

Question 23

The patient has a hemoglobin of 8.5 g/dL and hematocrit of 27%.The nurse administers 2 units of packed red blood cells to the patient and repeats the lab work a few hours later.The new hemoglobin and hematocrit would be expected to be

A) hemoglobin 7.5 g/dL and hematocrit 25%.
B) hemoglobin 9.5 g/dL and hematocrit 29%.
C) hemoglobin 10.5 g/dL and hematocrit 32%.
D) hemoglobin 12.5 g/dL and hematocrit 36%.

Question 24

Pain control is a nursing priority in patients with acute pancreatitis because pain

A) increases pancreatic secretions.
B) is caused by decreased distension of the pancreatic capsule.
C) decreases the patient's metabolism.
D) is caused by dilation of the biliary system.

Question 25

The patient is being treated for an H.pylori infection with proton pump inhibitor,metronidazole,and tetracycline but is not responding.The nurse expects that

A) bismuth will be added to the current triple therapy.
B) a 6-day course of levofloxacin may be used.
C) a second-line therapy is not usually effective.
D) the proton pump inhibitor will be changed to a higher dose.

Question 26

The patient is admitted with acute pancreatitis.The nurse should

A) assess pain level because pancreatic pain is unique in character.
B) examine laboratory values for low amylase levels.
C) expect lipase levels to decrease within 24 hours.
D) evaluate C-reactive protein as a gauge of severity.

Question 27

The nurse is caring for a patient with a Minnesota tube in place when the patient suddenly shows signs of severe pain and respiratory distress.The nurse should

A) cut the gastric balloon lumen and watch for improved symptoms.
B) cut the esophageal lumen and watch for improvement.
C) cut all three lumens and remove the tube.
D) call the provider with an update of the patient's condition.

Question 28

The patient is admitted with the diagnosis of GI bleeding.The patient's heart rate is 140 beats per minute,and the blood pressure is 84/44 mm Hg.These values may indicate:

A) a need for hourly vital signs.
B) approximately 25% loss of total blood volume.
C) resolution of hypovolemic shock.
D) increased blood flow to the skin, lungs, and liver.

Question 29

The patient is being admitted with GI bleeding.Blood work includes serial hemoglobin and hematocrit levels.The nurse understands that

A) the hematocrit is a direct reflection of quick blood loss.
B) as extravascular fluid enters the vascular space, the hematocrit increases.
C) the hematocrit value does not change substantially during the first few hours.
D) the administration of intravenous fluids has no effect on hematocrit levels.

Question 30

The patient is admitted with acute pancreatitis and is demonstrating severe abdominal pain,vomiting,and ascites.Using the Ranson classification criteria,the nurse determines that this patient

A) has a 99% chance of survival.
B) has a 15% chance of dying.
C) has a 40% chance of dying.
D) has no chance of survival.

Question 31

The nurse is caring for a patient with acute pancreatitis.To provide adequate pain control,the nurse

A) should suggest that the patient receive epidural analgesia.
B) provides oral pain medication on an "as needed" (PRN) basis.
C) removes any nasogastric tubes.
D) administers pain medication on a routine schedule.

Question 32

The nurse is caring for a patient who is being treated for peptic ulcer disease.Suddenly,the patient yells that the pain has become extreme.The nurse notes that the patient's abdomen is rigid.The nurse should

A) call the provider immediately.
B) give the patient pain medication.
C) remove the NG tube.
D) give the patient an antacid.

Question 33

The patient is ordered to have large-volume gastric lavage.The nurse will most likely need to

A) insert a small-bore nasogastric tube.
B) use 2 to 4 liters of room-temperature normal saline.
C) remove the nasogastric tube before lavage is started.
D) insert a large-bore nasogastric tube.

Question 34

Trends in nutritional management of the patient with pancreatitis are changing.As a result,the nurse understands that

A) patients with pancreatitis must eat nothing in order to prevent release of secretin.
B) nasogastric suction is essential in treating patients with pancreatitis.
C) a nasogastric tube is no longer required to treat patients with ileus.
D) immediate oral feeding in patients with mild pancreatitis may help recovery.

Question 35

The patient is admitted for GI bleeding,but the source is unknown.Before ordering endoscopy,the provider orders octreotide to be given intravenously.The purpose of this medication is to

A) increase portal pressure and improve liver function.
B) decrease splanchnic blood flow and portal pressure.
C) vasodilate the splanchnic arteriolar bed.
D) increase blood flow in the liver's collateral circulation.

Question 36

The nurse is to assist the provider in performing bedside endoscopy on a patient.To prevent respiratory complications,the nurse places the patient

A) supine in Trendelenburg position.
B) in a left lateral reverse Trendelenburg position.
C) flat with the feet elevated.
D) in a semi-Fowler's position.

Question 37

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a Sengstaken-Blakemore tube in place.In caring for this patient,the nurse must

A) maintain as little traction as possible.
B) apply external traction using a side rail of the bed.
C) deflate the gastric balloon before the esophageal balloon.
D) deflate the esophageal balloon before the gastric balloon.

Question 38

The nurse is caring for a patient with active GI bleeding.Estimated blood loss is 1,000 mL.Which of the following assessments would the nurse expect to find with this amount of blood loss?

A) All vital signs would expect to be normal.
B) Oral temperature of 103°.
C) Heart rate 125 beats per minute.
D) Systolic blood pressure of 120 mm Hg.

Question 39

The patient is admitted with severe abdominal pain due to pancreatitis.The patient asks the nurse,"What causes this? Why does it hurt so much?" The nurse should solve

A) "Pancreatitis is extremely rare, and no one knows why it causes pain."
B) "Pancreatitis is caused by diabetes; you should be checked."
C) "Injury to certain cells in the pancreas causes it to digest (eat) itself, causing pain."
D) "The pain is localized to the pancreas.Fortunately, it will not affect anything else."

Question 40

The nurse is caring for a patient who has had a portacaval shunt placed surgically.The nurse is aware that this procedure

A) improves survival in patients with varices.
B) decreases the risk of encephalopathy.
C) decreases the incidence of ascites.
D) decreases rebleeding.

Question 41

The nurse is caring for a critically ill patient with end-stage liver disease.The nurse knows that the patient is at risk for hyperdynamic circulation and varices.Which of the following assessments would indicate a hyperdynamic status?

A) Jugular venous distension
B) Normal sinus rhythm on the cardiac monitor
C) Blood pressure of 180/90 mm Hg
D) Stools that are guaiac positive

Question 42

The nurse is caring for a patient with severe ascites due to chronic liver failure.The patient is lying supine in bed and complaining of difficulty breathing.The nurse's first action should be to

A) measure abdominal girth to determine the amount of fluid accumulation.
B) position the patient in a semi-Fowler's position.
C) prepare the patient for emergent paracentesis.
D) administer diuretics.

Question 43

When caring for the patient with upper GI bleeding,the nurse assesses for which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

A) Severity of blood loss
B) Hemodynamic stability
C) Vital signs every 30 minutes
D) Signs of hypervolemic shock
E) Necessity for fluid resuscitation

Question 44

The patient is admitted with end-stage liver disease.The nurse evaluates the patient for which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

A) Hypoglycemia
B) Malnutrition
C) Ascites
D) Hypercoagulation
E) Disseminated intravascular coagulation

Question 45

Lactulose is considered the first-line treatment for hepatic encephalopathy and works by

A) causing ammonia to enter the bloodstream via the colon.
B) trapping ammonia in the bowel for excretion.
C) causing constipation and inhibiting the excretion of ammonia.
D) creating an alkaline environment in the bowel.

Question 46

The patient is admitted with acute pancreatitis and is later diagnosed as having a pseudocyst.The nurse realizes that

A) surgery for pseudocysts must be done immediately.
B) a cholecystectomy is usually done when pseudocysts are found.
C) pseudocysts may resolve spontaneously, so surgery may be delayed.
D) pseudocysts require pancreatic resection, removing the entire pancreas.

Question 47

The patient is getting neomycin for treatment of hepatic encephalopathy.While the patient is receiving this medication,it is especially important that the nurse

A) evaluate renal function studies daily.
B) give the medication every 12 hours.
C) evaluate liver studies for signs of neomycin-induced damage.
D) obtain stool guaiac tests to ensure that pathogens are being destroyed.

Question 48

Metronidazole is being given to treat hepatic encephalopathy.When administering this medication,the nurse

A) watches the patient for diarrhea.
B) evaluates renal function daily.
C) assesses the patient for epigastric discomfort.
D) instructs the patient that this medication must be taken for 2 weeks.

Question 49

Nursing priorities for the management of acute pancreatitis include: (Select all that apply.)

A) managing respiratory dysfunction.
B) assessing and maintaining electrolyte balance.
C) withholding analgesics that could mask abdominal discomfort.
D) stimulating gastric content motility into the duodenum.
E) utilizing supportive therapies aimed at decreasing gastrin release.

Question 50

The patient is diagnosed with hepatitis.In caring for this patient,the nurse should

A) administer anti-inflammatory medications.
B) provide rest, nutrition, and antiemetics if needed.
C) provide antianxiety medications freely to decrease agitation.
D) instruct the patient to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications at home.

Question 51

The nurse is caring for a critically ill patient with respiratory failure who is being treated with mechanical ventilation.As part of the patient's care to prevent stress ulcers,the nurse would provide: (Select all that apply.)

A) vagal stimulation.
B) proton pump inhibitors.
C) anticholinergic drugs.
D) antacids.
E) cholinergic drugs.

Question 52

Vascular sounds such as bruits,heard in the abdomen during physical assessment,may indicate which of the following? (Select all that apply.)

A) Obstructed portal circulation
B) Dilated vessels
C) Tortuous vessels
D) Constricted vessels
E) Presence of an abscess