ATI RN
Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Concerning mass peristalsis, all are correct Except:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Mass peristalsis refers to the coordinated contraction of the smooth muscle in the colon that helps move fecal matter towards the rectum. This process specifically occurs in the large intestine, not the small intestine. Therefore, choice A is incorrect. Choice B is incorrect because mass peristalsis is actually a rapid and powerful movement, not slow. Choice C is correct as it accurately describes the role of mass peristalsis in facilitating the movement of fecal matter in the large intestine. Choice D is incorrect because choice A is incorrect.
Question 2 of 5
What is the function of bile in digestion?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Emulsify fats. Bile emulsifies fats by breaking them down into smaller droplets, increasing the surface area for enzymes to work on, aiding in the digestion and absorption of fats. Choices B and C are incorrect as bile specifically targets fats, not proteins or carbohydrates. Choice D is incorrect as bile plays a crucial role in fat digestion.
Question 3 of 5
Chemical digestion of protein begins in the:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: stomach. Chemical digestion of protein begins in the stomach where the enzyme pepsin breaks down proteins into peptides. The stomach's acidic environment activates pepsinogen to pepsin. In contrast, the mouth primarily performs mechanical digestion through chewing, and the small intestine is where further breakdown and absorption of nutrients occur. The large intestine mainly absorbs water and electrolytes, with minimal involvement in protein digestion.
Question 4 of 5
A young adult patient is admitted to the hospital for evaluation of right lower quadrant abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Palpate the abdomen for rebound tenderness. This action is essential to assess for signs of possible appendicitis, a common cause of right lower quadrant abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting. Rebound tenderness is a classic sign of peritoneal irritation and can indicate an inflamed appendix. The other choices are incorrect because: A: Assisting the patient to cough and deep breath is not a priority in this situation and does not provide relevant information about the cause of the abdominal pain. D: Suggesting the patient lie on the side, flexing the right leg, may help alleviate some discomfort but does not provide diagnostic information about the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Question 5 of 5
Which information will the nurse provide for a patient with newly diagnosed gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Keep the head of your bed elevated on blocks. Elevating the head of the bed can help prevent stomach acid from flowing back into the esophagus during sleep, reducing nighttime symptoms of GERD. This position helps gravity keep the acid in the stomach. A: Peppermint tea may actually worsen GERD symptoms as it can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing acid to reflux back into the esophagus. C: Avoiding eating between meals will not reduce acid secretion and may even lead to larger meals, which can trigger reflux symptoms. D: Vigorous physical activities can worsen GERD symptoms by increasing intra-abdominal pressure, pushing stomach contents back up into the esophagus. In summary, the correct answer is B because it directly addresses a practical measure to alleviate GERD symptoms during sleep, while the other choices do not effectively manage the condition.