ATI RN
Gastrointestinal Practice Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Pancreatitis is mainly the result of _____ activity.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pancreatitis is mainly the result of trypsin activity. Trypsin is an enzyme produced by the pancreas to aid in digestion. When trypsin becomes activated within the pancreas itself, it can lead to the digestion of pancreatic tissue and cause inflammation, leading to pancreatitis. Bile (A) and bacterial (B) activities are not primary causes of pancreatitis. Carboxypeptidase (C) is another pancreatic enzyme, but its activity does not play a significant role in causing pancreatitis compared to trypsin.
Question 2 of 5
Which of these is a function of the large intestine?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: water absorption. The large intestine's main function is to absorb water and electrolytes from the indigestible food residue that enters it from the small intestine. This process helps in the formation of solid feces. Nutrient absorption primarily occurs in the small intestine (A). Bile production is done by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, not in the large intestine (B). Enzyme secretion primarily occurs in the small intestine and other digestive organs, not in the large intestine (D). Therefore, C is the correct answer as it aligns with the main function of the large intestine.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who has acute pancreatitis. The nurse should expect to find an elevation of which of following values?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Amylase. During acute pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes inflamed, leading to leakage of amylase into the bloodstream. Therefore, elevated levels of serum amylase are expected in clients with acute pancreatitis. A: Calcium levels may be decreased in acute pancreatitis due to fat necrosis and calcium binding to free fatty acids. B: RBC count is not typically affected in acute pancreatitis. C: Magnesium levels may be normal or slightly decreased, but it is not a consistent finding in acute pancreatitis.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is interviewing a client who has acute pancreatitis. Which of the following factors should the nurse anticipate finding in the client's history?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gallstones. Acute pancreatitis is commonly caused by gallstones or alcohol consumption. Gallstones can block the pancreatic duct, leading to inflammation. Hypolipidemia, COPD, and diabetes mellitus are not directly associated with pancreatitis. This history finding helps the nurse identify the potential cause and plan appropriate care.
Question 5 of 5
To prevent gastroesophageal reflux in a male client with a hiatal hernia, the nurse should provide which of the following discharge instructions?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages." This is because both coffee and alcohol can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to increased likelihood of gastroesophageal reflux. A: "Lie down after meals" can worsen reflux symptoms as gravity helps keep stomach contents down. C: "Take antacids with meals" may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of reflux. D: "Limit fluid intake with meals" can help reduce bloating but has no direct impact on preventing reflux.