Deck 24: Gastrointestinal Function

Question 1

A patient has pernicious anemia.What action by the patient and family indicates teaching for this condition has been effective?

A)Proper administration of oral vitamin B₁₂
B)Correct technique for intramuscular (IM)injections
C)Choosing aspirin over ibuprofen (Motrin)for pain
D)Preparing a low-carbohydrate meal

Answer 1

Correct technique for intramuscular (IM)injections

Question 2

An older adult patient reports episodes of fecal incontinence.The nurse provides appropriate emotional support when assuring the patient that:

A)it is a common problem that occurs in response to normal aging.
B)the incontinence is rarely a result of a serious problem.
C)disposable absorbent underwear will help manage the problem.
D)the problem generally responds well to bowel control programs.

Answer 2

the problem generally responds well to bowel control programs.

Question 3

An older patient with hepatitis has pruritus.What advise does the nurse provide this patient?

A)Keep your fingernails cut short.
B)Use diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
C)Hot soapy showers will help.
D)Butter is a good home remedy for itching.

Answer 3

Keep your fingernails cut short.

Question 4

The nurse is planning to teach an older patient about diverticulitis.What topic does the nurse include?

A)Dietary fiber and fluids will reduce the symptoms.
B)It is unusual to see diverticula in older persons.
C)Abdominal cramping and severe diarrhea should be reported.
D)Diverticulosis rarely reoccurs once it has been treated.

Question 5

An older adult reports chronic constipation.When asked why this problem has gotten worse with age,the nurse responds:

A)"As we age,our bodies require more fiber to bring about healthy bowel function."
B)"We need to discuss the proper use of laxatives to minimize constipation."
C)"It's possible that you have lost the ability to feel when you need to move your bowels."
D)"Aging brings about decreased gastric motility that often results in constipation."

Question 6

An older patient had a stroke several months ago.The patient begins to exhibit dysphagia.What action by the nurse is best?

A)Consult with a speech-language therapist.
B)Discuss the need for enteral feedings.
C)Provide the patient swallowing exercises.
D)Arrange for a physical exam.

Question 7

When preparing to discharge an older patient with mild dysphagia,the nurse suggests that the patient can minimize symptoms by:

A)eating small meals every 2 to 3 hours
B)cutting a sandwich into bite-sized peicees.
C)eating less but choosing nutrient-dense foods.
D)drinking thin liquids instead of eating solids.

Question 8

A 74-year-old adult is experiencing dumping syndrome after gastric resection surgery.The nurse caring for the patient instructs the patient to:

A)stop smoking.
B)abstain from beverages that contain caffeine.
C)eat three low-carbohydrate meals daily.
D)drink only between meals.

Question 9

An older patient has been admitted with nausea and vomiting.What assessment takes priority?

A)Respiratory system
B)Urine output
C)Blood pressure and pulse
D)Skin integrity

Question 10

The daughter of a dependent older patient reports to the nurse that the patient requires regular soapsud enemas to manage chronic constipation.The nurse responds that:

A)an alternative management technique should be discussed.
B)enemas are generally the most effective interventions for the older adult.
C)chronic constipation is best managed with oral medications.
D)her mother's diet is the most likely cause of the constipation.

Question 11

A patient is admitted with infectious diarrhea.What action by the nurse is best?

A)Place the patient in contact precautions.
B)Place the patient on droplet precautions.
C)Use standard precautions to care for the patient.
D)Prepare staff to take prophylactic antibiotics.

Question 12

A 70-year-old patient has lost 25 pounds since being diagnosed with hepatitis A.To best manage the patient's anorexia,what does the nurse suggest? (Select all that apply. )

A)A protein powder supplement added to liquids
B)Several meals eaten during the day
C)Megavitamins that include iron and folic acid
D)A dietary assessment to identify favorite foods
E)A high-carbohydrate,low-fat diet

Question 13

An older adult patient has recently diagnosed gastritis.What statement made by this patient indicates the need for further teaching?

A)"The abdominal pain is caused by acidity."
B)"I should avoid taking aspirin."
C)"Smoking has little effect on my stomach problem."
D)"I could develop pernicious anemia."

Question 14

What dietary suggestion does the nurse give the older patient to manage age-related changes in taste?

A)Add more salt to foods.
B)Use a salt substitute.
C)Add sugar when possible.
D)Use a variety of herbs.

Question 15

The nurse caring for an older adult diagnosed with hyperplastic polyps instructs him that:

A)this type of polyp is rarely malignant and usually does not require treatment.
B)follow-up colonoscopies should be performed every 3 to 4 years after diagnosis.
C)stool should be guaiac tested every week for 1 year after diagnosis.
D)the presence of blood in the stool requires a repeat sigmoidoscopy examination.

Question 16

An 80-year-old patient has nausea and vomiting related to a gastrointestinal disorder.The nursing intervention most likely to help the patient is to:

A)offer sips of soda every 15 minutes until more is tolerated.
B)encourage the patient to lie in a prone position while nauseated.
C)encourage the intake of high-calorie foods such as milkshakes.
D)keep the patient on a nothing-by-mouth (NPO)order until the nausea subsides.

Question 17

A 68-year-old patient is reporting symptoms that suggest a peptic ulcer.The nurse asks the patient if:

A)the pain exacerbates when he eats fatty food.
B)there is a family history of peptic ulcers.
C)he smokes either cigars or cigarettes.
D)he uses acetaminophen (Tylenol)for minor pain.

Question 18

An older patient is having a colostomy as part of surgery for colon cancer.What assessment by the nurse is most important in this patient?

A)Manual dexterity
B)Body image
C)Fear of dying
D)Fluid volume status

Question 19

An older patient is being taught about oral gingivitis.The nurse has included instruction about maintaining an oral hygiene program,signs and symptoms of oral infection,and the importance of maintaining regular professional dental care.What important teaching has been missed?

A)Information about when to have teeth removed and dentures made
B)The necessity of using a hard-bristled toothbrush to maintain cleanliness
C)The importance of avoiding meat and caffeine-containing products
D)The importance of adequate nutrition for maintaining oral health

Question 20

A patient is admitted with copious diarrhea.The patient is dizzy when standing,and skin assessment reveals abrasions around the perianal area.What assessment finding demonstrates that goals for the priority nursing diagnosis have been met?

A)Perianal skin abrasions are smaller in size.
B)Patient does not fall while hospitalized.
C)Patient sits up without dizziness.
D)Patient is able to tolerate oral fluids.

Question 21

Because of a knowledge of age-related changes in the gastrointestinal system,the nurse encourages regular screenings for which of the following? (Select all that apply. )

A)Osteoporosis
B)Vitamin B deficiency
C)Pernicious anemia
D)Enlarged liver
E)Iron deficiency anemia

Question 22

An 82-year-old patient with a history of chronic heart and respiratory problems asks the nurse,"What can I do to keep my hemorrhoids from acting up?" Which of the following responses made by the nurse are appropriate? (Select all that apply. )

A)Ask if he experiences constipation with any regularity.
B)Encourage him to increase his fluid intake to 2000 mL daily.
C)Suggest he eat more whole grains and fresh fruits.
D)Discuss how he should include a walk into his daily routine.
E)Ask if he has a history of rectal bleeding.

Question 23

An older adult patient is being evaluated for a possible duodenal ulcer (DU).Which of the following assessments supports the diagnoses? (Select all that apply. )

A)Passing a moderate amount of dark reddish-brown stool
B)Reporting a stabbing pain in the epigastric region
C)Asking for "some crackers to stop my stomach cramps"
D)Reporting the need to take antacid tablets "most days"
E)Having a rigid abdomen about 2 hours after eating