ATI RN
NCLEX Questions on Gastrointestinal System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The home health nurse is caring for the patient with tuberculosis who is taking rifampin and isoniazid (INH). The nurse should carefully monitor the patient for which potential side effect?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Liver disorders. Rifampin and isoniazid are known to potentially cause hepatotoxicity. The nurse should monitor for signs of liver dysfunction such as jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain, and elevated liver enzymes. Gallstones (A) are not commonly associated with these medications. Bleeding ulcers (C) are not a common side effect of rifampin and isoniazid. Esophagitis (D) is more commonly associated with other medications like bisphosphonates.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is assessing a patient who had an abdominal hysterectomy. Which of the following signs of infection should the nurse be most concerned about?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Purulent drainage from the incision site. Purulent drainage indicates an active infection, requiring immediate attention and intervention to prevent serious complications. Redness and a low-grade fever can be common in the early stages of healing and may not necessarily indicate infection. Complaints of mild cramping are also common post-surgery and may not specifically point to infection. Purulent drainage is a more specific and concerning sign of infection as it indicates the presence of pus and bacteria at the incision site, requiring prompt medical evaluation and treatment to prevent further complications.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is an accessory organ of digestion?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: pancreas. The pancreas is an accessory organ of digestion because it produces digestive enzymes that help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. It also secretes bicarbonate to neutralize stomach acid. The esophagus (B) is a part of the digestive tract but not an accessory organ. The stomach (C) and small intestine (D) are primary organs of digestion, not accessory organs.
Question 4 of 5
Which enzyme is responsible for digesting carbohydrates?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: amylase. Amylase is responsible for digesting carbohydrates by breaking down starches into simple sugars. Pepsin (A) digests proteins, lipase (C) digests fats, and trypsin (D) digests proteins as well. Amylase specifically targets carbohydrates, making it the correct enzyme for this function.
Question 5 of 5
What does the pancreas secrete to aid in digestion?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: digestive enzymes. The pancreas secretes digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and protease to break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. Insulin (choice A) is a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, not aid in digestion. Gastric acid (choice B) is produced by the stomach, not the pancreas. Bile (choice D) is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder to aid in fat digestion, not directly secreted by the pancreas for digestion.