ATI RN
Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions and Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with cirrhosis asks the nurse about the possibility of a liver transplant. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because cirrhosis is indeed an indication for transplantation in some cases. By responding with option D, the nurse acknowledges the patient's question, provides accurate information, and encourages the patient to discuss the possibility of a liver transplant with their doctor. Option A is incorrect because age is not the only factor considered for liver transplants; the severity of the liver disease matters. Option B doesn't provide specific guidance and redirects responsibility. Option C is incorrect as rejection is a manageable risk in liver transplants, and cirrhosis patients can undergo transplantation successfully.
Question 2 of 5
When assessing a patient's bowel sounds, the nurse auscultates loud bowel sounds in each quadrant every 3 seconds. The nurse understands that these findings could indicate that the patient is experiencing which condition?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diarrhea. Loud bowel sounds every 3 seconds indicate hyperactive bowel sounds, which are a common characteristic of diarrhea. Diarrhea increases peristalsis, leading to frequent loud bowel sounds. Paralytic ileus (choice B) is characterized by absent or hypoactive bowel sounds due to decreased motility. Vomiting (choice C) and constipation (choice D) are not typically associated with loud bowel sounds every 3 seconds.
Question 3 of 5
During gastric emptying, chyme is released into the duodenum through the .
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: pyloric sphincter. The pyloric sphincter is a ring of muscle at the junction between the stomach and the duodenum. It controls the release of chyme into the small intestine. The sphincter opens and closes to regulate the flow of partially digested food from the stomach into the duodenum for further digestion and absorption. A: esophageal hiatus is incorrect as it is the opening in the diaphragm through which the esophagus passes. B: pyloric antrum is incorrect as it is the lower part of the stomach that connects to the pyloric canal. C: pyloric canal is incorrect as it is the part of the stomach leading to the pyloric sphincter, not the opening into the duodenum.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with a history of heart failure. Which statement by the patient indicates that further teaching is needed?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because increasing salt intake can worsen heart failure by causing fluid retention and increasing blood pressure. A is correct because shortness of breath is a common symptom of heart failure. C is incorrect because limiting fluid intake is important to prevent fluid overload in heart failure. D is correct as daily weight monitoring can help detect fluid retention early. Therefore, B is the only statement that goes against heart failure management principles.
Question 5 of 5
Which of these is the most abundant type of muscle in the digestive tract?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: smooth muscle. Smooth muscle is the most abundant type of muscle in the digestive tract due to its involuntary nature and the ability to maintain sustained contractions for digestion and movement of food. Skeletal muscle (A) is not found in the digestive tract. Cardiac muscle (C) is specific to the heart and not present in the digestive tract. Fibrous muscle (D) is not a recognized type of muscle tissue. Smooth muscle is the most suitable choice as it aligns with the functions and characteristics of muscle in the digestive system.