ATI RN
Chapter 15 The Gastrointestinal System Review Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Concerning deglutition (swallowing):
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because dysphagia, which is difficulty swallowing, can be caused by various factors such as neurological disorders affecting the swallowing reflex or physical obstructions in the esophagus. This is a key point in understanding the causes of swallowing difficulties. Choice A is incorrect because the pharyngeal phase of swallowing is actually involuntary, not voluntary. Choice B is incorrect as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is normally closed to prevent acid reflux and only opens during swallowing. Choice D is incorrect because in the esophageal stage of swallowing, both liquid and solid boluses travel through the esophagus by peristalsis, not just liquid boluses.
Question 2 of 5
The accessory digestive organs include all of the following, EXCEPT:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, stomach. The stomach is not considered an accessory digestive organ as it is part of the gastrointestinal tract. The accessory digestive organs aid in the digestion process but are not part of the tract itself. The tongue, liver, and pancreas are all considered accessory digestive organs as they play crucial roles in digestion, such as producing enzymes and bile. The stomach's main function is to store and break down food through mechanical and chemical digestion, making it a primary organ in the digestive system rather than an accessory one.
Question 3 of 5
A 68-yr-old male patient with a stroke is unconscious and unresponsive to stimuli. After learning
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Breath sounds. In an unconscious stroke patient, airway patency and adequate oxygenation are critical. Assessing breath sounds more frequently than routine helps monitor for respiratory distress, such as aspiration or pneumonia. Apical pulse (B) may be important but not as immediately life-threatening as respiratory status. Bowel sounds (C) may indicate bowel function but are not as urgent as assessing breathing. By prioritizing breath sounds, the nurse can ensure timely intervention in case of respiratory compromise.
Question 4 of 5
A 68-yr-old male patient with a stroke is unconscious and unresponsive to stimuli. After learning that the patient has a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), what should the nurse plan to assess more frequently than is routine?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Breath sounds. Given the patient's history of GERD, there is an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia due to the reflux of gastric contents into the lungs. Therefore, assessing breath sounds more frequently is crucial to monitor for signs of respiratory distress or pneumonia. A: Apical pulse is important but not directly related to the patient's history of GERD. B: Bowel sounds are relevant for assessing GI function but not specifically impacted by GERD. D: Abdominal girth is more related to abdominal distension or organ enlargement rather than GERD complications.
Question 5 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.