RN exams gastrointestinal practice questions, set 3
RN exams · gastrointestinal
RN exams gastrointestinal practice questionsset 3
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
Which environmental condition is a consequence of the redlining of neighborhoods that has negatively affected health outcomes of BIPOC individuals?
A. Decreased urban heat
B. Less green space
C. Improved air quality
D. Increased access to clean water
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Less green space
The correct answer is B: Less green space. Redlining historically segregated neighborhoods, leading to disparities in access to resources. Less green space in redlined areas means limited opportunities for physical activity, increased exposure to pollutants, and higher stress levels, all of which contribute to negative health outcomes for BIPOC individuals.
A: Decreased urban heat - While redlined neighborhoods may have less vegetation contributing to urban heat island effect, this is not a direct consequence of redlining affecting health outcomes of BIPOC individuals.
C: Improved air quality - Redlined areas often experience poorer air quality due to industrial facilities and traffic congestion, which negatively impact health outcomes. Therefore, improved air quality is not a consequence of redlining.
D: Increased access to clean water - Redlining does not directly impact access to clean water. This choice is unrelated to the consequences of redlining on health outcomes of BIPOC individuals.
Question 2
A nurse is caring for a client who has the following laboratory results: potassium 3.4 mEq/L, magnesium 1.8 mEq/L, calcium 8.5 mEq/L, sodium 144 mEq/L. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?
A. Assess the client's dietary intake of foods high in potassium.
B. Assess the client's neuromuscular status.
C. Assess the client's fluid intake and output.
D. Read food labels to determine sodium content.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — Read food labels to determine sodium content.
The correct answer is D: Read food labels to determine sodium content. The nurse should assess the client's sodium level of 144 mEq/L, which is slightly above the normal range. High sodium intake can lead to fluid retention, hypertension, and other health issues. By reading food labels to determine sodium content, the nurse can identify sources of high sodium intake in the client's diet and provide appropriate dietary recommendations. This assessment is crucial in managing the client's sodium levels and overall health.
Assessing the client's dietary intake of foods high in potassium (Choice A) is not the priority in this case since the client's potassium level is within the normal range. Assessing the client's neuromuscular status (Choice B) is important but not the first priority when considering the electrolyte imbalances present. Assessing the client's fluid intake and output (Choice C) is also important but does not address the immediate concern related to the client's elevated sodium level.
Question 3
Which environmental condition is a consequence of the redlining of neighborhoods that has negatively affected health outcomes of BIPOC individuals?
A. Decreased urban heat
B. Less green space
C. Improved air quality
D. Increased access to clean water
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Less green space
The correct answer is B: Less green space. Redlining historically segregated neighborhoods, leading to disparities in access to resources. Less green space in redlined areas means limited opportunities for physical activity, increased exposure to pollutants, and higher stress levels, all of which contribute to negative health outcomes for BIPOC individuals.
A: Decreased urban heat - While redlined neighborhoods may have less vegetation contributing to urban heat island effect, this is not a direct consequence of redlining affecting health outcomes of BIPOC individuals.
C: Improved air quality - Redlined areas often experience poorer air quality due to industrial facilities and traffic congestion, which negatively impact health outcomes. Therefore, improved air quality is not a consequence of redlining.
D: Increased access to clean water - Redlining does not directly impact access to clean water. This choice is unrelated to the consequences of redlining on health outcomes of BIPOC individuals.
Question 4
A patient who is taking a potassium-wasting diuretic for treatment of hypertension reports generalized weakness. Which action is appropriate for the nurse to take?
A. Assess for facial muscle spasms.
B. Ask the patient about loose stools.
C. Recommend the patient avoid drinking orange juice with meals.
D. Suggest that the health care provider order a basic metabolic panel.
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: B — Ask the patient about loose stools.
The correct answer is B: Ask the patient about loose stools. Generalized weakness in a patient taking a potassium-wasting diuretic may indicate hypokalemia, which can be caused by excessive potassium loss through the kidneys. Loose stools can contribute to potassium loss. By asking about loose stools, the nurse can assess for potential potassium depletion and take appropriate action, such as monitoring potassium levels, adjusting medication dosage, or recommending dietary changes.
Incorrect choices:
A: Assess for facial muscle spasms - This is not directly related to generalized weakness in this context.
C: Recommend the patient avoid drinking orange juice with meals - Orange juice is a good source of potassium and avoiding it may exacerbate potassium deficiency.
D: Suggest that the health care provider order a basic metabolic panel - While this may provide information on electrolyte levels, directly addressing the potential cause of potassium loss through loose stools is more appropriate.
Question 5
Na and other carrier ions facilitate absorption of
A. amino acids and fructose
B. fatty acids and glycerol
C. fatty acids and glucose
D. amino acids and glucose
Show answer and rationale
Correct answer: D — amino acids and glucose
The correct answer is D: amino acids and glucose. Na ions facilitate the absorption of these molecules in the small intestine through the process of co-transport with carrier proteins. Glucose and amino acids are primarily absorbed in the small intestine to be utilized by the body for energy and growth. Na ions help transport these molecules across the intestinal epithelium against their concentration gradients.
A: Amino acids and fructose - While Na ions do play a role in the absorption of amino acids, fructose is primarily absorbed through facilitated diffusion and does not require Na ions for absorption.
B: Fatty acids and glycerol - Fatty acids and glycerol are absorbed in the small intestine through a different mechanism called micelle formation and do not rely on Na ions for absorption.
C: Fatty acids and glucose - While Na ions do play a role in the absorption of glucose, fatty acids are primarily absorbed through micelle formation and do not require Na ions for absorption.
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Question 6
A patient who is taking a potassium-wasting diuretic for treatment of hypertension reports generalized weakness. Which action is appropriate for the nurse to take?
A. Assess for facial muscle spasms.
B. Ask the patient about loose stools.
C. Recommend the patient avoid drinking orange juice with meals.
D. Suggest that the health care provider order a basic metabolic panel.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Ask the patient about loose stools. Generalized weakness in a patient taking a potassium-wasting diuretic may indicate hypokalemia, which can be caused by excessive potassium loss through the kidneys. Loose stools can contribute to potassium loss. By asking about loose stools, the nurse can assess for potential potassium depletion and take appropriate action, such as monitoring potassium levels, adjusting medication dosage, or recommending dietary changes.
Incorrect choices:
A: Assess for facial muscle spasms - This is not directly related to generalized weakness in this context.
C: Recommend the patient avoid drinking orange juice with meals - Orange juice is a good source of potassium and avoiding it may exacerbate potassium deficiency.
D: Suggest that the health care provider order a basic metabolic panel - While this may provide information on electrolyte levels, directly addressing the potential cause of potassium loss through loose stools is more appropriate.
Priority Decision: A patient returns to the surgical unit with a nasogastric (NG) tube to low intermittent suction, IV fluids, and a Jackson-Pratt drain at the surgical site following an exploratory laparotomy and repair of a bowel perforation. Four hours after admission, the patient experiences nausea and vomiting. What is a priority nursing intervention for the patient?
A. Assess the abdomen for distention and bowel sounds.
B. Inspect the surgical site and drainage in the Jackson-Pratt.
C. Check the amount and character of gastric drainage and the patency of the NG tube.
D. Administer prescribed prochlorperazine (Compazine) to control the nausea and vomiting.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Check the amount and character of gastric drainage and the patency of the NG tube. This is the priority nursing intervention because the patient is experiencing nausea and vomiting, which could indicate potential complications related to the NG tube, such as blockage or displacement. By checking the gastric drainage and NG tube patency, the nurse can assess if the patient's symptoms are related to these issues and take appropriate actions to address them.
Choice A is incorrect because assessing the abdomen for distention and bowel sounds is important but not the priority in this situation where the patient is experiencing nausea and vomiting. Choice B is incorrect as inspecting the surgical site and drainage in the Jackson-Pratt drain is also important but not as urgent as checking the NG tube patency in this case. Choice D is incorrect as administering medication should not be the first action taken without first assessing the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Priority Decision: A patient returns to the surgical unit with a nasogastric (NG) tube to low intermittent suction, IV fluids, and a Jackson-Pratt drain at the surgical site following an exploratory laparotomy and repair of a bowel perforation. Four hours after admission, the patient experiences nausea and vomiting. What is a priority nursing intervention for the patient?
A. Assess the abdomen for distention and bowel sounds.
B. Inspect the surgical site and drainage in the Jackson-Pratt.
C. Check the amount and character of gastric drainage and the patency of the NG tube.
D. Administer prescribed prochlorperazine (Compazine) to control the nausea and vomiting.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is C: Check the amount and character of gastric drainage and the patency of the NG tube. This is the priority nursing intervention because the patient is experiencing nausea and vomiting, which could indicate potential complications related to the NG tube, such as blockage or displacement. By checking the gastric drainage and NG tube patency, the nurse can assess if the patient's symptoms are related to these issues and take appropriate actions to address them.
Choice A is incorrect because assessing the abdomen for distention and bowel sounds is important but not the priority in this situation where the patient is experiencing nausea and vomiting. Choice B is incorrect as inspecting the surgical site and drainage in the Jackson-Pratt drain is also important but not as urgent as checking the NG tube patency in this case. Choice D is incorrect as administering medication should not be the first action taken without first assessing the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Na and other carrier ions facilitate absorption of
A. amino acids and fructose
B. fatty acids and glycerol
C. fatty acids and glucose
D. amino acids and glucose
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D: amino acids and glucose. Na ions facilitate the absorption of these molecules in the small intestine through the process of co-transport with carrier proteins. Glucose and amino acids are primarily absorbed in the small intestine to be utilized by the body for energy and growth. Na ions help transport these molecules across the intestinal epithelium against their concentration gradients.
A: Amino acids and fructose - While Na ions do play a role in the absorption of amino acids, fructose is primarily absorbed through facilitated diffusion and does not require Na ions for absorption.
B: Fatty acids and glycerol - Fatty acids and glycerol are absorbed in the small intestine through a different mechanism called micelle formation and do not rely on Na ions for absorption.
C: Fatty acids and glucose - While Na ions do play a role in the absorption of glucose, fatty acids are primarily absorbed through micelle formation and do not require Na ions for absorption.
A nurse teaches a client who is being discharged home with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). Which statement should the nurse include in this clients teaching?
A. avoid carrying your grandchild with the arm that has the central catheter.
B. Be sure to place the arm with the central catheter in a sling during the day
C. Flush the peripherally inserted central catheter line with normal saline daily.
D. You can use the arm with the central catheter for most activities of daily living.
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: "Avoid carrying your grandchild with the arm that has the central catheter." This is important because carrying a child can put strain on the arm where the catheter is inserted, increasing the risk of dislodging or damaging the catheter. It is crucial to protect the integrity of the catheter site to prevent complications such as infection or bleeding.
Choice B is incorrect because placing the arm with the central catheter in a sling during the day is unnecessary and could restrict the client's mobility and lead to discomfort.
Choice C is incorrect because flushing the PICC line with normal saline should be done by a healthcare professional and not the client themselves.
Choice D is incorrect because using the arm with the central catheter for most activities of daily living can increase the risk of accidental dislodgment or damage to the catheter. It is important to be cautious and limit certain activities to protect the catheter and maintain its function.
Which term describes the active transport process that moves sodium and potassium into or out of cells?
A. Filtration
B. Sodium pump
C. Diffusion
D. Osmosis
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Sodium pump. The sodium-potassium pump is a vital active transport mechanism in cells that moves sodium and potassium ions against their concentration gradients. It uses ATP to pump 3 sodium ions out of the cell and 2 potassium ions into the cell. This process helps maintain the cell's resting membrane potential and is crucial for nerve impulse transmission.
Now, let's analyze why the other choices are incorrect:
A: Filtration - Filtration is a passive process based on pressure differentials, not active transport involving specific pumps for sodium and potassium ions.
C: Diffusion - Diffusion is a passive process where molecules move from an area of high concentration to low concentration, not involving the active transport of sodium and potassium against their gradients.
D: Osmosis - Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane, not the active transport of sodium and potassium ions by specific pumps like the sodium-potassium pump.
The principal function for cells lining the sides of intestinal crypts of Lieberkühn is:
A. secreting digestive enzyme
B. secreting one of several various hormones
C. secreting mucus
D. supplying replacement cells for epithelium of villi
Correct answer:
The correct answer is D because cells lining the sides of intestinal crypts of Lieberkühn are responsible for supplying replacement cells for the epithelium of villi. These cells undergo rapid division and differentiation to replace the cells shed from the villi, ensuring the continuous renewal and maintenance of the intestinal lining. This process is crucial for the absorption of nutrients and maintaining the integrity of the intestinal barrier.
Choice A (secreting digestive enzyme) is incorrect because the cells in the intestinal crypts primarily function in cell replacement, not enzyme secretion.
Choice B (secreting one of several various hormones) is incorrect as the main function of these cells is not hormone secretion but rather cell turnover.
Choice C (secreting mucus) is incorrect as mucus secretion is typically associated with other specialized cells in the intestinal lining, such as goblet cells, not the cells in the crypts responsible for cell replacement.
Which of the following statements are correct? P. Mechanical digestion occurs in the stomach. Q. Cholecystokinin, gastrin and secretin are produced by an enteroendocrine cells. R. Pancreas, small intestine and salivary glands produce digestive enzymes. S. Mucous neck cells, chief cells, parietal cells present in the stomach.
A. P and Q
B. Q and R
C. P,Q and R
D. P,Q,R and S
Correct answer:
Sure! Here is a step-by-step rationale for why answer choice D is correct:
P. Mechanical digestion occurs in the stomach: This statement is correct as the stomach performs mechanical digestion through the churning and mixing of food with gastric juices.
Q. Cholecystokinin, gastrin, and secretin are produced by enteroendocrine cells: This statement is correct as these hormones are indeed produced by enteroendocrine cells to regulate various digestive processes.
R. Pancreas, small intestine, and salivary glands produce digestive enzymes: This statement is correct as these organs are key producers of digestive enzymes essential for breaking down food components.
S. Mucous neck cells, chief cells, parietal cells are present in the stomach: This statement is correct as these are the types of cells found in the gastric glands of the stomach responsible for producing mucus, pepsinogen, and hydrochloric acid, respectively.
In summary, all the statements in answer choice D
Which term describes the active transport process that moves sodium and potassium into or out of cells?
A. Filtration
B. Sodium pump
C. Diffusion
D. Osmosis
Correct answer:
The correct answer is B: Sodium pump. The sodium-potassium pump is a vital active transport mechanism in cells that moves sodium and potassium ions against their concentration gradients. It uses ATP to pump 3 sodium ions out of the cell and 2 potassium ions into the cell. This process helps maintain the cell's resting membrane potential and is crucial for nerve impulse transmission.
Now, let's analyze why the other choices are incorrect:
A: Filtration - Filtration is a passive process based on pressure differentials, not active transport involving specific pumps for sodium and potassium ions.
C: Diffusion - Diffusion is a passive process where molecules move from an area of high concentration to low concentration, not involving the active transport of sodium and potassium against their gradients.
D: Osmosis - Osmosis is the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane, not the active transport of sodium and potassium ions by specific pumps like the sodium-potassium pump.
The nurse is providing care for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. When describing the process of
respiration the nurse explains how oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the pulmonary capillaries and the
alveoli. The nurse is describing what process?
A. Diffusion
B. Osmosis
C. Active transport
D. Filtration
Correct answer:
The correct answer is A: Diffusion. In respiration, oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged between the alveoli and pulmonary capillaries through the process of diffusion. Here's the rationale:
1. Diffusion is the movement of molecules from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.
2. In the alveoli, oxygen moves from the air (higher concentration) into the blood (lower concentration) and carbon dioxide moves from the blood (higher concentration) into the air (lower concentration).
3. This exchange occurs passively, without the need for energy input, which is characteristic of diffusion.
Summary of other choices:
B: Osmosis involves the movement of water across a semi-permeable membrane, not gas exchange.
C: Active transport requires energy input to move molecules against their concentration gradient, not seen in gas exchange.
D: Filtration involves the movement of molecules through a membrane under pressure, not the passive movement of gases in respiration.
RN exams gastrointestinal practice questions, set 3 for nursing students in the United States. Fifteen items. Five include answers and rationales in American English.
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