RN exams gastrointestinal practice questions, set 13

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RN exams gastrointestinal practice questions set 13

You read GI bleed, liver, and nutrition stems and pick the intervention that protects the patient now. Five of the 15 questions include the correct answer and rationale. The other ten keep answers in the study hub. Continue with the RN exams exam guide or more RN exams practice questions.

Five gastrointestinal questions with answers

Cover the key. Write the first action. Then open the rationale and name why the other choices fail.

Question 1

A 22-year-old patient calls the outpatient clinic complaining of nausea and vomiting and right lower abdominal pain. What should the nurse advise the patient to do?

  1. A. Use a heating pad to relax the muscles at the site of the pain.
  2. B. Drink at least 2 quarts of juice to replace the fluid lost in vomiting.
  3. C. Take a laxative to empty the bowel before examination at the clinic.
  4. D. Have the symptoms evaluated by a health care provider right away.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Have the symptoms evaluated by a health care provider right away.

The correct answer is D because the patient is experiencing symptoms that could indicate appendicitis, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Nausea, vomiting, and right lower abdominal pain are classic signs of appendicitis. Advising the patient to have the symptoms evaluated by a healthcare provider right away is crucial to prevent potential complications like a ruptured appendix. Choice A is incorrect because using a heating pad may worsen the condition if it is indeed appendicitis. Choice B is incorrect because drinking juice may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms. Choice C is incorrect because taking a laxative is not recommended as it could potentially aggravate the condition. In summary, choice D is the correct answer as it prioritizes the patient's health and safety by seeking prompt medical evaluation for the concerning symptoms.

Question 2

You take a deep breath; you raise your larynx and hyoid bone; your epiglottis closes off the larynx; the soft palate closes off the nasopharynx; the diaphragm and abdominal muscles contract and the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes. What has just happened?

  1. A. Low blood glucose levels caused these hunger pangs.
  2. B. Irritation in the GI tract caused the vomiting reflex.
  3. C. Bolus has entered the larynx and stimulated the gagging reflex.
  4. D. Bolus has entered the oropharynx, which initiated the swallowing reflex.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Bolus has entered the oropharynx, which initiated the swallowing reflex.

The correct answer is D because the described sequence of events matches the process of swallowing. Raising the larynx and hyoid bone helps to protect the airway, closing the epiglottis prevents food from entering the trachea, closing the soft palate blocks the nasopharynx to prevent food from entering the nasal cavity, and the contraction of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles along with relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter facilitate the movement of food into the esophagus. This series of actions is characteristic of the swallowing reflex. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Low blood glucose levels do not directly trigger the swallowing reflex. Irritation in the GI tract would not lead to the described sequence of events. Bolus entering the larynx or nasopharynx would not be part of the normal swallowing process and would typically trigger the gagging reflex instead.

Question 3

While a female client is being prepared for discharge, the nasogastric (NG) feeding tube becomes clogged. To remedy this problem and teach the client's family how to deal with it at home, what should the nurse do?

  1. A. Irrigate the tube with warm water.
  2. B. Advance the tube into the intestine.
  3. C. Apply intermittent suction to the tube.
  4. D. Withdraw the obstruction with a 30-ml syringe.
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: A — Irrigate the tube with warm water.

The correct answer is A: Irrigate the tube with warm water. This is the correct action because irrigating the NG tube with warm water can help dislodge the clog and clear the obstruction. Here is a step-by-step rationale: 1. Gather necessary supplies: warm water, syringe, and towel. 2. Disconnect the tube from the feeding pump. 3. Draw up warm water into the syringe. 4. Gently insert the syringe into the tube and slowly push the warm water to flush out the clog. 5. Repeat the process as needed until the tube is clear. Other choices are incorrect: B: Advancing the tube into the intestine can be dangerous and should not be done without proper medical supervision. C: Applying intermittent suction may not effectively clear the clog and could potentially worsen the situation. D: Using a 30-ml syringe to withdraw the obstruction may not be as effective as irrigating with warm water.

Question 4

Which of the following complications best describes a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus?

  1. A. Abdominal aortic aneurysm
  2. B. Coronary heart disease
  3. C. Diabetic retinopathy
  4. D. Peripheral artery disease
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: C — Diabetic retinopathy

The correct answer is C: Diabetic retinopathy. This is a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus affecting the small blood vessels in the retina. It is caused by prolonged high blood sugar levels damaging the blood vessels, leading to vision problems and potentially blindness. Explanation: 1. Diabetic retinopathy specifically involves the microvasculature of the eye. 2. Abdominal aortic aneurysm (Choice A) and Coronary heart disease (Choice B) are macrovascular complications affecting larger blood vessels. 3. Peripheral artery disease (Choice D) involves blockages in larger arteries, not the microvasculature. In summary, diabetic retinopathy is the best description of a microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus as it involves damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, distinguishing it from macrovascular complications listed in the other options.

Question 5

When planning the care of a patient with a fluid imbalance, the nurse understands that in the human body, water and electrolytes move from the arterial capillary bed to the interstitial fluid. What causes this to occur?

  1. A. Active transport of hydrogen ions across the capillary walls
  2. B. Pressure of the blood in the renal capillaries
  3. C. Action of the dissolved particles contained in a unit of blood
  4. D. Hydrostatic pressure resulting from the pumping action of the heart
Show answer and rationale

Correct answer: D — Hydrostatic pressure resulting from the pumping action of the heart

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Hydrostatic pressure resulting from the pumping action of the heart causes water and electrolytes to move from the arterial capillary bed to the interstitial fluid. This occurs due to the force exerted by the heart's pumping action, pushing fluid out of the capillaries into the interstitial space. This process is known as filtration and is essential for maintaining fluid balance in the body. Summary of other choices: A: Active transport of hydrogen ions does not directly cause the movement of water and electrolytes between capillaries and interstitial fluid. B: The pressure in renal capillaries specifically relates to the kidneys, not the general movement of water and electrolytes in the body. C: The dissolved particles in blood do not directly contribute to the movement of water and electrolytes between capillaries and interstitial fluid.

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Question 6

Which assessment action will help the nurse determine if an obese patient has metabolic syndrome?

  1. A. Take the patient's apical pulse.
  2. B. Check the patient's blood pressure.
  3. C. Ask the patient about dietary intake.
  4. D. Dipstick the patient's urine for protein.
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Question 7

Which single statement about fat digestion and absorption is correct?

  1. A. Absorption of fatty acids in the intestine occurs mainly through FABP and FAT/CD36 transport proteins in the enterocytes of the distal duodenum
  2. B. After absorption, medium chain triglycerides (MCT) enter the lymphatic system, whereas long chain triglycerides enter the portal blood system.
  3. C. The products of partial digestion of triglycerides (triacylglycerols) can form mixed micelles with pancreatic cholesterol and phospholipids and this increases absorption
  4. D. Triglycerides (triacylglycerols) must be emulsified and digested before the fatty acids can be transported
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Question 8

In planning a treatment and prevention program of chronic fecal incontinence for an elderly client, which intervention should you try first?

  1. A. Administer a glycerin suppository 15 minutes before evacuation time.
  2. B. Insert a rectal tube at specified intervals each day.
  3. C. Assist the client to the bedpan or toilet 30 minutes after meals.
  4. D. Use incontinence briefs or adult-sized diapers.
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Question 9

Which assessment action will help the nurse determine if an obese patient has metabolic syndrome?

  1. A. Take the patient's apical pulse.
  2. B. Check the patient's blood pressure.
  3. C. Ask the patient about dietary intake.
  4. D. Dipstick the patient's urine for protein.
Answer and rationale unlock in the Nursier study hub. Unlock answers

Question 10

The function of the gastrointestinal tract can be classified in several ways. Which of the following functions is most important for survival immediately after a meal?

  1. A. Absorption and retention of water and electrolytes
  2. B. Elimination of toxins
  3. C. Maintenance of barrier function
  4. D. Extraction of maximum value from nutrients
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Question 11

In planning a treatment and prevention program of chronic fecal incontinence for an elderly client, which intervention should you try first?

  1. A. Administer a glycerin suppository 15 minutes before evacuation time.
  2. B. Insert a rectal tube at specified intervals each day.
  3. C. Assist the client to the bedpan or toilet 30 minutes after meals.
  4. D. Use incontinence briefs or adult-sized diapers.
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Question 12

The function of the cardiac sphincter is to prevent backflow of acid chyme from the

  1. A. esophagus to the mouth
  2. B. stomach to the esophagus
  3. C. duodenum to the stomach
  4. D. colon to the small intestine
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Question 13

Identify one nursing intervention indicated for each of the following desired outcomes of tube feeding.

  1. A. Prevention of aspiration
  2. B. Prevention of diarrhea
  3. C. Maintenance of tube patency
  4. D. Maintenance of tube placement
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Question 14

Which statement best describes the underlying cause of peptic ulcer disease?

  1. A. Erosion of the gastrointestinal lining due to an imbalance between gastric acid and pepsin.
  2. B. Inflammation of the esophagus caused by acid reflux.
  3. C. Overproduction of insulin leading to low blood glucose levels.
  4. D. Blockage of the pancreatic ducts leading to digestion of pancreatic tissue.
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Question 15

A nurse is preparing an intervention plan for a client who is receiving tube feedings after an oral surgery. Which of the following measures can prevent improper infusion and assist in preventing vomiting?

  1. A. Consulting the physician and dietitian
  2. B. Administering the feedings at room temperature
  3. C. Changing the tube feeding container and tubing
  4. D. Checking the tube placement and gastric residual prior to feedings
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About these RN exams gastrointestinal questions

RN exams gastrointestinal practice questions, set 13 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.

No. Nursier is independent practice. Register through the official path named on the RN exams exam guide.

The first five questions already include the rationale. Start full practice to unlock the remaining keys, missed-question review, and the rest of the bank.

Keep going past these 15 questions

Missed-question review, longer banks, and the rest of 20,000+ nursing practice questions open when you start studying.