Deck 26: Gastrointestinal Function

Question 1

When preparing information regarding the effects of aging on the gastrointestinal system's ability to produce sufficient secretions, 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 1

Osteoporosis
Vitamin B deficiency
Pernicious anemia
Iron deficiency anemia

Question 2

The daughter of a dependent older client reports to the nurse that her mother requires regular soapsuds enemas to manage her 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.

Answer 2

an alternative management technique should be discussed.

Question 3

An elderly client reports episodes of fecal incontinence.The nurse provides appropriate emotional support when assuring the client 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 3

the problem generally responds well to bowel control programs.

Question 4

You have been assigned to teach a 75-year-old client about her newly diagnosed diverticulitis.When planning for the teaching session, you want to make certain that you explain that:

A)increasing dietary fiber and keeping well hydrated is effective in reducing the symptoms associated with diverticulosis.
B)it is unusual to see diverticula in persons her age because it commonly occurs in middle-aged adults.
C)abdominal cramping and severe diarrhea are the symptoms commonly associated with diverticula and should be reported when they occur.
D)the prognosis for diverticulosis is good, and once treated it rarely reoccurs.

Question 5

An 82-year-old client 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 should include a walk into his daily routine.
E)Question him if there is a history of rectal bleeding.

Question 6

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 7

An older client 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 8

A 70-year-old client has lost 25 pounds since being diagnosed with hepatitis A.To best manage the client's anorexia, the nurse suggests (select all that apply):

A)protein powder supplement added to the client's liquids.
B)several high-calorie, low-fat meals daily.
C)megavitamins that include iron and folic acid.
D)a thorough dietary assessment to identify favorite foods.
E)a high-protein diet.

Question 9

Which statement, if made by the older adult with recently diagnosed gastritis, indicates the need for further teaching about the condition or its treatment?

A)"The abdominal cramping I experience is caused by acidity."
B)"I should avoid the intake of aspirin."
C)"Smoking has little effect on my stomach problem."
D)"I could develop pernicious anemia as a complication of gastritis."

Question 10

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

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

Question 11

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

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

Question 12

An older adult client is being evaluated for t possible duodenal ulcer.The diagnosis is supported by which of the following observations of the client? 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 13

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

A)"As we age our body requires increasingly more fiber to bring about healthy bowel function."
B)"We need to discuss the proper use of laxatives to best minimize the reoccurrence of 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 14

When preparing to discharge an older client who has begun to experience dysphagia, the nurse suggests that the problem can minimize by:

A)eating small meals every 2 to 3 hours rather than three large meals daily.
B)cutting a sandwich into bite-size.
C)eating fewer meals but choosing high-calorie, high-protein foods.
D)substituting thin liquids for solid fluids whenever possible.

Question 15

A 68-year-old client is reporting symptoms that suggest a peptic ulcer.The nurse shows an understanding of the risk factors for this condition when asking whether:

A)the pain is exacerbated when he eats fatty food.
B)there is a family history of peptic ulcers.
C)he smokes either cigars or cigarettes.
D)he uses aspirin to manage his minor pain.