Deck 52: Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System

Question 1

The nurse working with clients who have gastrointestinal problems knows that which laboratory values are related to what organ dysfunctions? (Select all that apply.)

A) Alanine aminotransferase: biliary system
B) Ammonia: liver
C) Amylase: liver
D) Lipase: pancreas
E) Urine urobilinogen: stomach

Answer 1

Ammonia: liver
Lipase: pancreas

Question 2

The nurse knows that a client with prolonged prothrombin time (PT)values (not related to medication)probably has dysfunction in which organ?

A) Kidneys
B) Liver
C) Spleen
D) Stomach

Answer 2

Liver

Question 3

The nurse working in the gastrointestinal clinic sees clients who are anemic.What are common causes for which the nurse assesses in these clients? (Select all that apply.)

A) Colon cancer
B) Diverticulitis
C) Inflammatory bowel disease
D) Peptic ulcer disease
E) Pernicious anemia

Answer 3

Colon cancer
Diverticulitis
Inflammatory bowel disease
Peptic ulcer disease

Question 4

A client is scheduled for a colonoscopy and the nurse has provided instructions on the bowel cleansing regimen.What statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

A) "It's a good thing I love orange and cherry gelatin."
B) "My spouse will be here to drive me home."
C) "I should refrigerate the GoLYTELY before use."
D) "I will buy a case of Gatorade before the prep."

Question 5

A client is having an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)and has been given midazolam hydrochloride (Versed).The client's respiratory rate is 8 breaths/min.What action by the nurse is best?

A) Administer naloxone (Narcan).
B) Call the Rapid Response Team.
C) Provide physical stimulation.
D) Ventilate with a bag-valve-mask.

Question 6

The student nurse studying the gastrointestinal system understands that chyme refers to what?

A) Hormones that reduce gastric acidity
B) Liquefied food ready for digestion
C) Nutrients after being absorbed
D) Secretions that help digest food

Question 7

The nurse is aware of the 2014 American Cancer Society Screening Guidelines for colon cancer,which include which testing modalities for people over the age of 50? (Select all that apply.)

A) Colonoscopy every 10 years
B) Colonoscopy every 5 years
C) Computed tomography (CT) colonography every 5 years
D) Double-contrast barium enema every 10 years
E) Flexible sigmoidoscopy every 10 years

Question 8

A client presents to the emergency department reporting severe abdominal pain.On assessment,the nurse finds a bulging,pulsating mass in the abdomen.What action by the nurse is the priority?

A) Auscultate for bowel sounds.
B) Notify the provider immediately.
C) Order an abdominal flat-plate x-ray.
D) Palpate the mass and measure its size.

Question 9

A client presents to the family practice clinic reporting a week of watery,somewhat bloody diarrhea.The nurse assists the client to obtain a stool sample.What action by the nurse is most important?

A) Ask the client about recent exposure to illness.
B) Assess the client's stool for obvious food particles.
C) Include the date and time on the specimen container.
D) Put on gloves prior to collecting the sample.

Question 10

A client who has been taking antibiotics reports severe,watery diarrhea.About which test does the nurse teach the client?

A) Colonoscopy
B) Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) toxin A+B
C) Ova and parasites
D) Stool culture

Question 11

A client had an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).The nurse instructs the client and family about the signs of potential complications,which include what problems? (Select all that apply.)

A) Cholangitis
B) Pancreatitis
C) Perforation
D) Renal lithiasis
E) Sepsis

Question 12

A nurse is examining a client reporting right upper quadrant (RUQ)abdominal pain.What technique should the nurse use to assess this client's abdomen?

A) Auscultate after palpating.
B) Avoid any palpation.
C) Palpate the RUQ first.
D) Palpate the RUQ last.

Question 13

The nurse working with older clients understands age-related changes in the gastrointestinal system.Which changes does this include? (Select all that apply.)

A) Decreased hydrochloric acid production
B) Diminished sensation that can lead to constipation
C) Fat not digested as well in older adults
D) Increased peristalsis in the large intestine
E) Pancreatic vessels become calcified

Question 14

A client is recovering from an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)and requests something to drink.What action by the nurse is best?

A) Allow the client cool liquids only.
B) Assess the client's gag reflex.
C) Remind the client to remain NPO.
D) Tell the client to wait 4 hours.

Question 15

To promote comfort after a colonoscopy,in what position does the nurse place the client?

A) Left lateral
B) Prone
C) Right lateral
D) Supine

Question 16

A client scheduled for a percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC)denies allergies to medication.What action by the nurse is best?

A) Ask the client about shellfish allergies.
B) Document this information on the chart.
C) Ensure that the client has a ride home.
D) Instruct the client on bowel preparation.

Question 17

A client had a colonoscopy and biopsy yesterday and calls the gastrointestinal clinic to report a spot of bright red blood on the toilet paper today.What response by the nurse is best?

A) Ask the client to call back if this happens again today.
B) Instruct the client to go to the emergency department.
C) Remind the client that a small amount of bleeding is possible.
D) Tell the client to come in to the clinic this afternoon.

Question 18

An older client has had an instance of drug toxicity and asks why this happens,since the client has been on this medication for years at the same dose.What response by the nurse is best?

A) "Changes in your liver cause drugs to be metabolized differently."
B) "Perhaps you don't need as high a dose of the drug as before."
C) "Stomach muscles atrophy with age and you digest more slowly."
D) "Your body probably can't tolerate as much medication anymore."