Question 1

A patient is diagnosed with a gastric ulcer located on the antrum.The nurse is aware that the ulcer may also affect the function of which adjacent structure?

Accepted Answer

A) Sphincter of Oddi 
B) Acinus 
C) Pyloric sphincter 
D) Lower esophageal sphincter C

Question 2

A male patient admitted with a gastrointestinal bleed and a hematocrit level of 40% receives fluid resuscitation.In a few hours,the hematocrit level drops to 32%.How should the nurse evaluate this finding?

Accepted Answer

A) It is very likely that this patient has underlying renal disease. 
B) There must be an undiagnosed second site of bleeding. 
C) The patient is experiencing hemodilution caused by fluid resuscitation. 
D) Efforts to stop the bleeding have not been successful. C

Question 3

The nurse is assessing a patient admitted with acute abdominal pain.Which information would the nurse associate with changes in the gastrointestinal system? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) The patient is taking more of the proton pump inhibitor than is typically indicated for gastroesophageal reflux. 
B) The patient reports that his mother was just diagnosed with renal failure. 
C) The patient reports an itchy red rash over his thigh that has been present for several weeks. 
D) The patient works as an insurance agent. 
E) The patient often repeats himself and seems confused at times. A,C,E

Question 4

A patient with liver disease has a decline in his previously elevated urobilinogen levels.The nurse would anticipate further testing for which condition?

Accepted Answer

A) Overhydration 
B) Gastrointestinal bleeding 
C) Worsening of the liver failure 
D) Protein catabolism

Question 5

A patient is admitted with acute abdominal pain.Which preexisting conditions would prevent this patient from having a nuclear scan to diagnose the cause of the abdominal pain? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) The patient is being treated for congestive heart failure. 
B) The patient has severe rheumatoid arthritis. 
C) The patient had an appendectomy 6 months ago. 
D) The patient has bilateral titanium hip replacements. 
E) The patient had a similar scan done last week.

Question 6

The nurse has completed the focused history for a patient admitted with acute abdominal pain.How should the nurse continue with the assessment?

Accepted Answer

A) Palpate for abdominal masses or tenderness. 
B) Auscultate for bowel sounds. 
C) Inspect the abdomen. 
D) Percuss for abdominal tones.

Question 7

A patient is diagnosed with a splenic artery aneurysm.The nurse would assess for dysfunction in which organs? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Gallbladder 
B) Stomach 
C) Pancreas 
D) Transverse colon 
E) Spleen

Question 8

A patient is in congestive heart failure due to damage from a myocardial infarction.Which gastrointestinal manifestation would the nurse expect on assessment?

Accepted Answer

A) Severe stomach cramping 
B) Decreased bowel sounds 
C) Enlargement of the liver 
D) Esophageal reflux

Question 9

A patient is demonstrating hepatic encephalopathy due to buildup of ammonia.The nurse anticipates intervention to support which function of the liver?

Accepted Answer

A) Protein metabolism 
B) Vitamin synthesis 
C) Fat metabolism 
D) Carbohydrate metabolism

Question 10

A patient was admitted with acute abdominal and back pain.Which test results would the nurse evaluate as indicating additional testing for acute pancreatitis is likely? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Secretin stimulation test 
B) Hematocrit level 
C) Hemoglobin level 
D) Serum lipase level 
E) Amylase

Question 11

A patient will undergo an elastase test for pancreatic function.The nurse will collect which sample?

Accepted Answer

A) Stool 
B) Serum 
C) Saliva 
D) Urine

Question 12

The nurse is planning care for a patient at risk for developing an infection because of an interruption in the intestinal mucosa.Which patient history would the nurse evaluate as most likely to exacerbate this risk?

Accepted Answer

A) The patient has a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus. 
B) The patient was hospitalized 2 months ago for congestive heart failure. 
C) The patient was hospitalized for treatment of severe trauma sustained in a motor vehicle accident. 
D) The patient has been treated for hypertension for the last 10 years.

Question 13

A patient is diagnosed with esophageal reflux.The nurse explains to the patient that there is an impairment in which structure?

Accepted Answer

A) Fundus 
B) Duct of Wirsung 
C) Cardiac sphincter 
D) Antrum

Question 14

A patient is scheduled to have sublingual capnometry.How would the nurse explain the purpose of this test?

Accepted Answer

A) "This test will help us learn about the blood flow to your gastrointestinal organs." 
B) "This test will monitor the acidity of your gastric acids." 
C) "This test will determine if your pancreas is functioning." 
D) "This test will help us determine if you have an infection in your gastrointestinal tract."

Question 15

A patient has just received an upper GI series diagnostic test.What nursing intervention is indicated?

Accepted Answer

A) Keep on bedrest for 6 hours postprocedure. 
B) Monitor urine output. 
C) Administer the prescribed cathartic. 
D) Keep the patient on nothing by mouth (NPO)status.

Question 16

A patient with a history of tonsillectomy and appendectomy is admitted with a possible infection.The nurse explains that the patient is at higher risk for infection due to which process?

Accepted Answer

A) Decreased prostaglandin production 
B) Impairment of gut-associated lymphoid tissue 
C) Increase in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue 
D) Degradation of superficial epithelial cells

Question 17

A patient is diagnosed with duodenal ulcers caused by a highly acidic gastrointestinal environment.The nurse explains that this condition may be related to deficiency in which hormone?

Accepted Answer

A) Secretin 
B) Lipase 
C) Elastase 
D) Amylase

Question 18

A patient tells the nurse that after eating some food that tasted "off" he experienced a severe stomachache.However,after a few hours the discomfort was gone and he felt fine.Which information should the nurse consider when formulating a response to this report?

Accepted Answer

A) Decreased production of mucous in the duodenum likely propelled the organism through the system in a few hours. 
B) The duodenal pH of 4.0 killed the offending organism. 
C) The acidic stomach environment likely killed any offending organisms in the ingested food. 
D) Chyme blocked the offending organism from attaching to the walls of the GI tract.

Question 19

A patient has been diagnosed with deficiency of the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK).The nurse would expect this patient to have difficulty digesting which nutrients? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.
Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Fats 
B) Proteins 
C) Carbohydrates 
D) Vitamins 
E) Minerals

Question 20

The nurse is caring for a patient with an injury to cranial nerve X.Which assessment finding would the nurse attribute to that injury?

Accepted Answer

A) Rectal bleeding 
B) Dry mouth 
C) A metallic taste in the mouth 
D) Decreased bowel sounds

Exam 21: Determinants and Assessment of Gastrointestinal Function