ATI RN
Chapter 15 The Gastrointestinal System Review Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A hiatal hernia is a weakness in the _____ muscle, which allows a portion of the digestive tract to enter the thoracic cavity.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: diaphragm. The diaphragm is a dome-shaped muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities. A hiatal hernia occurs when the stomach pushes through the opening in the diaphragm known as the esophageal hiatus, allowing a portion of the stomach to enter the thoracic cavity. The other choices, B: stomach, C: intestinal, and D: thoracic wall, are incorrect because a hiatal hernia specifically involves a weakness in the diaphragm muscle, not in these other structures. The stomach is the organ affected by the hernia, but the primary issue lies in the diaphragm's weakness. The intestinal and thoracic wall choices are not directly related to the development of a hiatal hernia.
Question 2 of 5
Which is the only area that can digest a double sugar?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: duodenum. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine where digestion of double sugars, like disaccharides, occurs. Enzymes such as sucrase, lactase, and maltase are secreted in the duodenum to break down double sugars into simple sugars for absorption. The other choices are incorrect because the stomach primarily digests proteins, the jejunum is mainly involved in nutrient absorption, and the pancreas secretes enzymes into the duodenum but does not directly digest double sugars.
Question 3 of 5
Infants' gastric juice contains
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because infants' gastric juice contains nuclease, pepsinogen, and lipase. Nuclease helps in breaking down nucleic acids, pepsinogen is the precursor of pepsin which digests proteins, and lipase digests fats. This combination of enzymes is essential for the digestion of various macromolecules in infants. Choice B is incorrect because maltase is an enzyme that breaks down maltose (a sugar), which is not typically found in gastric juice. Rennin is an enzyme that helps in digesting milk protein, which is more common in the stomach of newborn mammals, but not in human infants. Choice C is incorrect because amylase is an enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates and is usually found in saliva, not gastric juice. Rennin and pepsinogen are not typically present in infants' gastric juice. Choice D is incorrect because while pepsinogen and rennin are enzymes found in gastric juice, lip
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client who has peptic ulcer disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, Hematemesis. This is the priority finding because it indicates upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should address this immediately to prevent further complications. Epigastric discomfort (A) and dyspepsia (B) are common symptoms of peptic ulcer disease but do not indicate active bleeding. Constipation (C) is not directly related to peptic ulcer disease and does not pose an immediate threat to the client's health.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is planning care for a client who is postoperative and at risk for paralytic ileus. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to take to promote peristalsis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increase ambulation. Ambulation helps stimulate peristalsis by promoting movement in the gastrointestinal tract. This movement aids in preventing or alleviating paralytic ileus, a common postoperative complication. Increasing ambulation helps to increase muscle tone and activity in the intestines, promoting bowel motility. Summary of other choices: B: Decrease fluid intake - This is incorrect because adequate hydration is essential for promoting peristalsis and preventing constipation. C: Increase protein intake - Protein intake is important for wound healing and overall nutrition but does not directly impact peristalsis. D: Offer the client the bedpan every 2 hr - While providing opportunities for toileting is important, it does not directly promote peristalsis like ambulation does.