Question 1

Dumping syndrome after a Billroth II procedure occurs when high-carbohydrate foods are ingested over a period of less than 20 minutes. A nursing measure that will prevent or minimize dumping syndrome is to administer the feeding

Accepted Answer

Treatment for dumping syndrome includes eating six small meals daily that are high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. Fluids should be avoided during meals.

Question 2

The patient complains that he will never adjust to his colostomy. In this situation, it would be best for the nurse to

Accepted Answer

When a colostomy is performed, the patient or significant other should be able to verbalize and demonstrate understanding of ostomy care to the nurse.

Question 3

A patient with cancer of the esophagus has been receiving radiation therapy. The nurse realizes that this patient should be assessed for

Accepted Answer

Radiation therapy may be curative or palliative. Special problems associated with radiation therapy include the development of an esophagotracheal fistula. Aspiration from the fistula and edema from the radiation must be anticipated.

Question 4

A 63-year-old patient is admitted with acute diverticulitis. The most appropriate nursing intervention to lessen this patient's signs and symptoms of increased flatus and chronic constipation alternating with diarrhea, anorexia, and nausea would be to

Accepted Answer

A high-fiber diet of bran, fruits, and vegetables is recommended.

Question 5

A 56-year-old patient with diverticulitis has been admitted to the medical unit. The nurse will most likely document which assessment in the charting?

Accepted Answer

Patients with diverticulitis will complain of mild to severe pain in the left lower quadrant.

Question 6

A progressive wavelike movement that occurs involuntarily in hollow tubes of the body, especially in the alimentary canal, to propel fluids, gas, and digestive substances forward is called

Accepted Answer

Peristalsis, a progressive wavelike movement, moves fluid, gas, and digestive substances (often called a bolus) through the esophagus to the stomach.

Question 7

After barium swallow contrast studies are performed, the nurse should ensure that the patient

Accepted Answer

The nurse should explain to the patient the importance of rectally expelling all barium. Large amounts of fluids should be taken to prevent constipation.

Question 8

The patient, age 32, is admitted with possible appendicitis after being evaluated by the physician. It is appropriate for the nurse to administer

Accepted Answer

Other interventions for possible appendicitis may include bed rest and fluid and electrolyte replacement. Dehydration and anorexia causes fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Laxatives and enemas may cause perforation of the appendix. Heat can cause the appendix to rupture.

Question 9

The nurse determines that a patient has a knowledge deficit regarding her diagnosis of achalasia. The nurse begins patient teaching by explaining that achalasia is

Accepted Answer

The abnormal condition characterized by the inability of a muscle to relax is achalasia.

Question 10

The patient, age 32, has ulcerative colitis, and his condition is deteriorating. An ileostomy is scheduled. After the procedure, this patient may be at risk for

Accepted Answer

Nursing diagnoses for the surgical patient may be focused on potential Ineffective coping, Situational low self-esteem, and Disturbed body image.

Question 11

A NANDA-accepted nursing diagnosis that could be written for a patient with an abdominoperineal resection and a permanent colostomy would include

Accepted Answer

Nursing diagnoses for the patient with cancer of the colon include, but are not limited to, Disturbed body image.

Question 12

An ileostomy was performed on a patient for the treatment of debilitating ulcerative colitis disease. A problem the nurse should watch for in patients after this surgery is

Accepted Answer

The nurse should assess the peristomal skin for impairment of integrity.

Question 13

The emergency room staff is caring for a patient with an acute inflammatory intestinal disorder who is being observed to rule out appendicitis. Which intervention is contraindicated?

Accepted Answer

No heat is applied because this may increase circulation to the appendix and lead to rupture.

Question 14

The end-products of carbohydrate and protein digestion are absorbed by the

Accepted Answer

The inner surface of the small intestine contains millions of tiny, fingerlike projections called villi, which contain small blood vessels. They are responsible for absorbing the products of digestion.

Question 15

The most important nursing intervention to assure the patency of a nasogastric tube (NG) is to:

Accepted Answer

Irrigate NG tube PRN will keep the tube patent and assure effective decompression.

Question 16

Following a gastrectomy, the nurse would anticipate that the patient would need to be assessed for

Accepted Answer

It is recommended that all patients with a gastrectomy have a blood serum vitamin B₁₂ level measured every 1 to 2 years. Decreased absorption of vitamin B₁₂ may cause pernicious anemia.

Question 17

A patient has been admitted for diagnostic procedures including an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The nurse explains to this patient that during this procedure, the physician will

Accepted Answer

The esophagus, stomach, and duodenum can be evaluated not only by endoscopy, but also by the use of a longer flexible fiberoptic scope. This procedure is called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Question 18

A patient had a ruptured diverticulum in his descending colon. He has undergone a transverse loop colostomy. He asks the nurse the purpose of this procedure, and the nurse tells him that it is

Accepted Answer

The second procedure is the double-barrel colostomy, where the bowel is brought up through the abdominal surface, or loop colostomy.

Question 19

A patient, age 84, has a history of a large left inguinal hernia. He is complaining of nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, and inguinal pain. A serious complication of a hernia in which the blood supply to the tissue becomes occluded is called a(n)

Accepted Answer

The hernia is strangulated when the blood supply and intestinal flow are occluded.

Question 20

A patient, age 36, is admitted with diarrhea and dehydration. The physician has ordered several diagnostic studies of the patient's stools. When obtaining a stool specimen to be examined for ova and parasites, the nurse should

Accepted Answer

Diagnosing a parasitic infection requires three different stool specimens on subsequent days. Use only normal saline or tap water enemas to prevent alteration of results.

Quiz 5: Care of the Patient With a Gastrointestinal Disorder