ATI RN
Gastrointestinal NCLEX RN Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient in the emergency department has just been diagnosed with peritonitis from a ruptured diverticulum. Which prescribed intervention will the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Insert a urinary catheter to drain. In this scenario, the patient has peritonitis from a ruptured diverticulum, which can lead to sepsis. The priority intervention is to insert a urinary catheter to monitor urine output, as decreased urine output can indicate worsening sepsis. This intervention helps assess the patient's fluid status and kidney function, guiding further management. Sending the patient for a CT scan (choice A) can be important for diagnosis but is not the immediate priority. Administering antibiotics like metronidazole (choice D) is crucial, but assessing urine output takes precedence. Choice C is incomplete.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following triggers the formation of the others?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: enterokinase. Enterokinase is an enzyme that activates trypsinogen into trypsin in the small intestine, which then triggers the activation of other pancreatic zymogens like chymotrypsinogen and procarboxypeptidase. Trypsin itself does not activate other enzymes. Carboxypeptidase is not involved in the activation of other enzymes. Chymotrypsin is activated by trypsin, not the other way around. Thus, enterokinase is the enzyme that initiates the cascade of enzyme activation in the small intestine.
Question 3 of 5
Gallbladder stones are medically referred to as a _____ condition.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: cholelithiasis. Cholelithiasis specifically refers to the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. Cholecystitis (A) is inflammation of the gallbladder. Cholecystectomy (B) is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Cholesterol calculi (D) refers to gallstones made of cholesterol. Cholelithiasis is the most appropriate term to describe the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder.
Question 4 of 5
What is the function of the villi in the small intestine?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The function of villi in the small intestine is to absorb nutrients from digested food. Villi increase the surface area for absorption, allowing nutrients to be absorbed efficiently. This process is essential for nutrient uptake and proper functioning of the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because villi do not secrete enzymes, transport water, or produce bile. Enzymes are secreted by the pancreas and other organs, water is primarily absorbed in the large intestine, and bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is administering a tap water enema to a client who is constipated. During the administration of the enema, the client states he is having abdominal cramps. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to relieve the client's discomfort?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lower the height of the solution container. Lowering the height of the solution container will decrease the flow rate of the enema solution, which can help reduce the client's abdominal cramps by slowing down the infusion. This allows the client's colon to more gradually distend and adjust to the increased volume of fluid. Encouraging the client to bear down (choice B) can increase discomfort and lead to straining. Allowing the client to expel some fluid before continuing (choice C) may not address the root cause of the discomfort. Stopping the enema and documenting intolerance (choice D) should be considered only if the discomfort persists despite adjusting the flow rate.