ATI RN
Gastrointestinal Diseases NCLEX Review Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
In discussing long-term management with the patient with alcoholic cirrhosis, what should the nurse advise the patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Abstinence from alcohol is the most important factor in improvement of the patient's condition. This is because alcohol is the primary cause of alcoholic cirrhosis, and continued consumption can worsen liver damage. Abstinence allows the liver to heal and potentially improve function. Explanation of why the other choices are incorrect: A: A daily exercise regimen is important for overall health but may not specifically increase blood flow through the liver in alcoholic cirrhosis. B: Cirrhosis is irreversible, although proper rest and nutrition can help manage symptoms and prevent further damage. D: Acetaminophen can be harmful to the liver in high doses and should be used cautiously in patients with cirrhosis.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient who returns to the floor at lunchtime after undergoing an upper GI (UGI) series. Which action is most important for the nurse to perform first?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer a laxative. After an upper GI series, it is important to help the patient eliminate the contrast dye used during the procedure. Administering a laxative will facilitate the removal of the dye from the gastrointestinal tract. This is crucial to prevent any potential complications or adverse effects from the contrast dye. Explanation for incorrect choices: B: Educating the patient about the possibility of white stools is not the most immediate concern after an upper GI series. While this information is important for the patient to know, it is not the most urgent action to take. C: Offering the patient a small snack may be appropriate after the procedure, but ensuring the elimination of the contrast dye through a laxative is more critical. D: Providing oral care is important for overall patient comfort and hygiene, but it is not the priority immediately following an upper GI series.
Question 3 of 5
Which phase of deglutition involves contraction of the longitudinal muscle layer of the muscularis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: esophageal phase. During the esophageal phase of deglutition, the longitudinal muscle layer of the muscularis contracts to help propel the bolus of food downwards towards the stomach. This contraction occurs in a coordinated manner to create peristaltic waves that push the food along the esophagus. In contrast, the voluntary phase (A) involves the conscious initiation of swallowing, the buccal phase (B) involves the tongue pushing the bolus towards the pharynx, and the pharyngeal phase (C) involves the initiation of the swallowing reflex and closure of the airway to prevent aspiration.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is educating a patient who is starting treatment with warfarin. Which instruction is most important to include in the teaching plan?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Be sure to have regular blood tests to monitor your INR." Warfarin is a medication that requires close monitoring of the International Normalized Ratio (INR) to ensure it is within the therapeutic range. Regular blood tests are crucial to prevent complications such as bleeding or blood clots. Choice A is incorrect because aspirin increases the risk of bleeding when taken with warfarin. Choice C is incorrect because increasing vitamin K-rich foods can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin. Choice D is incorrect because doubling the dose can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Regular monitoring of INR levels is essential for safe and effective warfarin therapy.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following hormones stimulates the release of gastric acid?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: gastrin. Gastrin is a hormone produced by G cells in the stomach lining that stimulates the release of gastric acid. It acts directly on parietal cells to increase acid secretion. Secretin (B) stimulates pancreatic bicarbonate secretion, not gastric acid. Insulin (C) regulates blood sugar levels, not gastric acid secretion. Cholecystokinin (D) stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder and pancreatic enzymes, not gastric acid.