Deck 44: Introduction to the Gastrointestinal System and Accessory Structures

Question 1

A client ingests a carbohydrate solution as part of hydrogen breath testing. The nurse would need to monitor this client for which of the following?

A) Dizziness and confusion
B) Bleeding and perforation
C) Cramping and abdominal distention
D) Weight loss or failure to gain weight

Answer 1

Cramping and abdominal distention

Question 2

Which of the following activities is contraindicated for a client undergoing ultrasonography?

A) A client who has had a meal consisting of red meat
B) A client who drinks water during the test
C) A client who has had a meal consisting of shellfish
D) A client who chews gum during the test

Answer 2

A client who chews gum during the test

Question 3

Which of the following would be most important to ensure that a client does not retain any barium after a barium swallow?

A) Placing any stool passed in a specific preservative.
B) Monitoring the stool passage and its color.
C) Observing the color of urine.
D) Monitoring the volume of urine.

Answer 3

Monitoring the stool passage and its color.

Question 4

A client undergoing a diagnostic examination for gastrointestinal disorder was given polyethylene glycol/electrolyte solution as a part of the test preparation. Which of the following measures should the nurse take once the solution is administered?

A) Instruct the client to have low-residue meals.
B) Allow the client to ingest fat-free meal.
C) Permit the client to drink only clear liquids.
D) Provide saline gargles to the client.

Question 5

After teaching a group of students about the various organs of the gastrointestinal tract and possible disorders, the instructor determines that the teaching was successful when the students identify which of the following structures as possibly being affected?

A) Liver
B) Ileum
C) Stomach
D) Large intestine

Question 6

The nurse is preparing to measure the client's abdominal girth as part of the physical examination. At which location would the nurse most likely measure?

A) In the right upper quadrant
B) At the umbilicus
C) At the lower border of the liver
D) Just below the last rib

Question 7

From the following profiles of clients, which client would be most likely to undergo the diagnostic test of cholecystography?

A) Steven, suspected of having a tumor in the colon
B) Andrew, suspected of having esophageal abnormalities
C) Mark, suspected of having stones in the gallbladder
D) Sandra, suspected of having lesions in the liver

Question 8

The nurse is talking with a client who is scheduled for a computed tomography (CT) colonography. Which client statement would indicate to the nurse that the client needs additional teaching about this procedure?

A) "I still need to do that all that bowel prep stuff."
B) "My doctor will be able to remove any polyps he finds."
C) "I won't need any sedation for this procedure."
D) "The risk for complications is less than a regular colonoscopy."

Question 9

When assisting with preparing a client scheduled for a barium swallow, which of the following would be appropriate to include?

A) Avoid smoking for at least a day before the procedure.
B) Take vitamin K before the procedure.
C) Take three cleansing enemas before the procedure.
D) Avoid the intake of red meat before the procedure.

Question 10

A client is scheduled for several diagnostic tests to evaluate her gastrointestinal function. After teaching the client about these tests, the nurse determines that the client has understood the teaching when she identifies which test as not requiring the use of a contrast medium?

A) Small bowel series
B) Computer tomography
C) Colonoscopy
D) Upper GI series

Question 11

An instructor is preparing a teaching plan for a group of students about the function of the small intestine, its role in the absorption of nutrients, and the effects of a dysfunction on absorption. The instructor would identify that a client with a problem involving the duodenum would have difficulty absorbing which of the following?

A) Fat
B) Vitamin D
C) Calcium
D) Carbohydrates

Question 12

When examining the abdomen of a client with complaints of nausea and vomiting, which of the following would the nurse do first?

A) Palpation
B) Inspection
C) Auscultation
D) Percussion

Question 13

The nurse is preparing to examine the abdomen of a client complaining of a change in his bowel pattern. The nurse would place the client in which position?

A) Supine with knees flexed
B) Knee-chest
C) Lithotomy
D) Left Sim's lateral

Question 14

When examining the skin of a client who is dehydrated due to fluid losses from the gastrointestinal tract, which of the following would be most important?

A) Checking if the skin is discolored.
B) Checking if the mucous membranes are dry.
C) Examining the sclera if it is yellow.
D) Observing for distended abdominal veins.

Question 15

Which of the following would indicate to the nurse that a client who has received three cleansing enemas in preparation for a barium enema is experiencing dehydration?

A) Change in color of stool
B) Change in bowel sounds
C) Signs of anxiety
D) Signs of dizziness and confusion

Question 16

When preparing a client for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the abdomen, which statement would indicate the need to notify the physician?

A) "I haven't had anything to eat or drink since midnight last night."
B) "I really don't like to be in small, enclosed spaces."
C) "I left all my jewelry and my watch at home."
D) "I brought earphones to shut out the loud noise."

Question 17

An older client expresses anxiety before undergoing a barium enema. Which of the following measures should the nurse take to relieve him of his anxiety before the test?

A) Postpone the review of the test preparations.
B) Discourage the client from asking too many questions.
C) Provide printed directions about the steps to be taken.
D) Discourage the client from discussing his fears.

Question 18

A client is scheduled for the following tests: barium enema, small bowel series, enteroclysis enema, and an oral cholecystogram. Which test would the nurse expect the client to undergo first?

A) Barium enema
B) Enteroclysis
C) Small bowel series
D) Oral cholecystogram

Question 19

A client is scheduled for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to detect lesions in the gastrointestinal tract. The nurse would observe for which of the following while assessing the client during the procedure?

A) Signs of perforation
B) Client's ability to retain the barium
C) Client's tolerance for pain and discomfort
D) Gag reflex

Question 20

The nurse is to obtain a stool specimen from a client who reported that he is taking iron supplements. The nurse would expect the stool to be which color?

A) Dark brown
B) Green
C) Red
D) Black

Question 21

The nurse is providing care to a client who has had a percutaneous liver biopsy. The nurse would monitor the client for which of the following?

A) Signs and symptoms of bleeding
B) Return of the gag reflex
C) Passage of stool
D) Intake and output