A patient receives atropine, an anticholinergic drug, in preparation for surgery. The nurse expects this drug to affect the GI tract by doing what?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decreasing secretions and peristaltic action. Atropine, as an anticholinergic drug, inhibits the action of acetylcholine, leading to decreased secretions and peristaltic movement in the GI tract. This results in reduced motility and secretion production. A: Increasing gastric emptying - This is incorrect because atropine actually slows down gastric emptying by reducing peristaltic action. B: Relaxing pyloric and ileocecal sphincters - This is incorrect because atropine does not directly relax these sphincters. D: Stimulating the nervous system of the GI tract - This is incorrect because atropine inhibits the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to decreased GI tract activity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid sugary foods and limit fluids to prevent dumping syndrome. After a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the patient's stomach size is reduced, making it important to avoid sugary foods that can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar and lead to dumping syndrome. Dumping syndrome occurs when food moves too quickly from the stomach to the small intestine, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. Limiting fluids can also help prevent this by slowing down digestion. Choices B and C are incorrect as increasing food intake rapidly or maintaining a liquid diet long-term can be harmful post-surgery. Choice D is incorrect because consuming foods high in complex carbohydrates, protein, and fiber can be difficult for the patient to digest due to the altered anatomy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Step 1: Peptic ulcers are mainly caused by H. pylori infection or NSAIDs use, not directly related to acid injury. Step 2: Ammonia formation in the mucosal wall neutralizes acid, protecting mucosal cells. Step 3: Ammonia is produced by H. pylori urease enzyme, contributing to ulcer formation. Step 4: Acid back diffusion (B) and histamine release (C) are consequences, not direct causes of ulcers. Summary: Ammonia formation (D) is the correct answer as it directly contributes to mucosal injury in peptic ulcers. Acid back diffusion (B) and histamine release (C) are secondary effects of ulcer formation, not the primary cause.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer (A): Ambulating the patient more frequently helps to stimulate GI motility, reduce abdominal distention, and promote passage of flatus. Movement aids in peristalsis, which can alleviate postoperative GI issues. Summary of Incorrect Choices: B: Assessing bowel sounds is important but does not directly address the issue of stimulating GI motility or addressing the patient's pain and distention. C: Placing the patient in a high Fowler's position may improve respiratory function but does not specifically target GI motility or pain relief. D: Withholding opioids may be necessary in some cases, but pain management is crucial for postoperative care. There are other ways to address decreased GI motility without completely withholding pain medications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Choice C is correct because it acknowledges the patient's concerns about sexuality post-surgery. 2. Reminding the patient that affection can be expressed in non-sexual ways validates his feelings. 3. It promotes open communication and offers alternative ways to maintain intimacy during the healing process. Summary of Incorrect Choices: A. Involving the sexual partner may add pressure and may not address the patient's personal insecurities. B. Promising a return to normal sexual function may create false expectations and overlook emotional aspects. D. Focusing on physical and emotional factors may downplay the patient's specific concerns about his sexuality.