Deck 21: Gastrointestinal Function

Question 1

A 68-year-old patient is reporting a gnawing epigastric pain.What question by the nurse would elicit the most useful information?

A)"Does the pain get worse when you eat fatty food?"
B)"Do you have a family history of peptic ulcers?"
C)"Do you smoke either cigars or cigarettes?"
D)"Do you take a lot of acetaminophen for minor pain?"

Answer 1

"Do you have a family history of peptic ulcers?"

Question 2

An older adult patient reports episodes of fecal incontinence.What response by the nurse provides appropriate emotional support?

A)"This 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

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

Answer 3

Osteoporosis
Vitamin B deficiency
Pernicious anemia
Iron deficiency anemia

Question 4

The daughter of a dependent older patient reports to the nurse that the patient requires regular soapsuds enemas to manage chronic constipation.What response by the nurse responds is best?

A)"Let's talk about a different way to manage the constipation."
B)"Good,enemas are generally the most effective interventions for the older adult."
C)"Chronic constipation is best managed with oral medications."
D)"Your mother's diet is the most likely cause of the constipation."

Question 5

An older adult patient is being evaluated for a possible duodenal ulcer (DU).Which of the following assessments supports the diagnosis? (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

Question 6

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 7

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 2,000 mL daily.
C)Suggest he eat more whole grains and fresh fruits.
D)Discuss how he could include a walk into his daily routine.
E)Ask if he has a history of rectal bleeding.

Question 8

An 80-year-old patient has nausea and vomiting related to a gastrointestinal disorder.Which of the following nursing interventions is most appropriate?

A)Offer sips of clear 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 9

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 small 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 10

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 11

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

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

Question 12

An older adult reports chronic constipation.When asked why this problem has gotten worse with age,what response by the nurse is best?

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)"You might 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 13

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

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

Question 14

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 other important teaching topic should be included?

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 15

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 16

An older adult had gastric resection surgery and now is experiencing dizziness,nausea,and diaphoresis after meals.What instruction by the nurse caring is best?

A)Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.
B)Avoid caffeinated beverages.
C)Eat three low-carbohydrate meals daily.
D)Drink fluids only between meals.

Question 17

When preparing to discharge an older patient with mild dysphagia,the nurse suggests that the patient can minimize symptoms by doing which of the following?

A)Eating small meals every 2 to 3 hours
B)Cutting a sandwich into bite-sized pieces
C)Eating less but choosing nutrient-dense foods
D)Drinking thin liquids instead of eating solids

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

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

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