ATI RN
Gastrointestinal Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
During a morning assessment, the nurse observes that a patient displays bulging flanks when supine with the knees flexeWhich action should the nurse take next?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Measure the patient's abdominal girth. Bulging flanks could indicate ascites, which is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Measuring the abdominal girth can help assess for the presence and severity of ascites. This step is important for further evaluation and monitoring of the patient's condition. Auscultating the abdomen for 5 minutes (choice B) would not address the potential underlying issue of ascites. Simply documenting the finding (choice C) without further assessment could delay necessary interventions. Notifying the charge nurse (choice D) is premature without completing a thorough assessment first.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient receiving a blood transfusion. Which of the following should the nurse do first if the patient develops chills and fever?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stop the transfusion and notify the healthcare provider. This is the first step because chills and fever during a blood transfusion could indicate a transfusion reaction, which can be serious. Stopping the transfusion is crucial to prevent further complications. Notifying the healthcare provider promptly ensures appropriate assessment and management. Administering acetaminophen (choice B) may help with fever but does not address the underlying issue. Checking the blood bag (choice C) can be done after stopping the transfusion. Increasing the rate of the transfusion (choice D) can exacerbate the reaction and should be avoided.
Question 3 of 5
Where is the majority of absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The majority of absorption of nutrients occurs in the small intestine. This is because the small intestine has a large surface area due to its villi and microvilli, which increase the absorption capacity. Additionally, the small intestine contains specialized cells that facilitate the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. In contrast, the stomach's main function is to break down food, the large intestine primarily absorbs water and electrolytes, and the mouth is responsible for initial digestion through chewing and saliva production. Therefore, choice B is correct as it aligns with the anatomical and physiological functions of the digestive system.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following nutrients is absorbed in the stomach?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: water. Water is the only nutrient that is absorbed in the stomach. The stomach mainly digests food using stomach acid and enzymes, but absorption of nutrients primarily occurs in the small intestine. Vitamins are absorbed in the small intestine, proteins are broken down in the stomach and further digested in the small intestine, and carbohydrates are primarily broken down and absorbed in the small intestine. Water, on the other hand, can be absorbed in the stomach through osmosis due to its small molecular size and the presence of aquaporins in the stomach lining.
Question 5 of 5
Which of these is most associated with bile?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: liver. Bile is produced in the liver and stored in the gallbladder before being released into the small intestine to aid in digestion. The liver plays a crucial role in bile production, whereas the pancreas is primarily responsible for producing digestive enzymes. The gallbladder stores and concentrates bile but does not produce it. The small intestine is where bile acts to break down fats. Therefore, the liver is most associated with bile due to its production and regulation of bile.