ATI RN
Questions on Gastrointestinal Tract Questions
Question 1 of 5
Priority Decision: During the treatment of the patient with bleeding esophageal varices, what is the most important thing the nurse should do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C because maintaining the patient's airway and preventing aspiration of blood is the top priority in a patient with bleeding esophageal varices. This is crucial to prevent respiratory compromise and potential life-threatening complications. Immediate portal shunting surgery (A) is not the priority as stabilizing the patient comes first. Guaiac testing (B) is not the priority as it does not address the immediate risk of airway obstruction. Monitoring cardiac effects (D) is important but not as critical as ensuring the patient's airway is secure.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is preparing to administer liquid laxative to a patient in preparation for a colonoscopy. Which action should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because chilling the laxative and pouring it over ice can help improve its taste and make it more palatable for the patient. This can encourage the patient to consume the laxative as needed for the colonoscopy preparation. Offering a small snack (choice A) may interfere with the effectiveness of the laxative. Taking the patient's temperature (choice B) is not relevant to administering a laxative. Mixing the laxative with orange juice (choice C) may alter its effectiveness and is not recommended.
Question 3 of 5
Which of these statements about the pharynx is true?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the oropharynx is indeed continuous superiorly with the nasopharynx, forming a passage for both air and food. This continuity allows for the passage of food and air between the oral and nasal cavities. A is incorrect because the pharynx extends from the nasal and oral cavities superiorly to the esophagus posteriorly, not anteriorly. C is incorrect because the nasopharynx is not involved in digestion; it primarily functions in respiration and contains the openings of the Eustachian tubes. D is incorrect because the laryngopharynx is not composed partially of cartilage; it is a muscular passage that connects the oropharynx and the esophagus.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The patient asks about the best way to prevent respiratory infections. What is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step 1: The nurse's response should focus on preventing respiratory infections in a patient with COPD. Step 2: Yearly flu shots are recommended to prevent influenza, a common trigger for respiratory infections in COPD. Step 3: Avoiding crowds during flu season reduces exposure to pathogens, further preventing infections. Step 4: Increasing nebulizer treatments does not directly prevent infections but may help manage COPD symptoms. Step 5: Vitamin C may have some benefits but is not a primary preventive measure for respiratory infections in COPD. Step 6: Regular antibiotic use is not recommended to prevent infections due to the risk of antibiotic resistance and potential side effects. Conclusion: Option A is the best response as it includes evidence-based strategies to prevent respiratory infections in a patient with COPD.
Question 5 of 5
Which of these is responsible for the formation of chyme?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: hydrochloric acid. Hydrochloric acid is responsible for creating an acidic environment in the stomach essential for the activation of pepsin and the breakdown of proteins into peptides. This acidic environment also helps in the denaturation of proteins and kills harmful bacteria present in food. Bile (choice A) aids in digestion of fats in the small intestine. Mucus (choice B) helps protect the stomach lining from the acidic environment. Pepsin (choice D) is an enzyme that breaks down proteins but is activated by hydrochloric acid.