ATI RN
NCLEX Questions on Gastrointestinal System Questions
Question 1 of 5
The _____ prevents food from entering the small intestine.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: pyloric valve. The pyloric valve is located between the stomach and the small intestine, specifically at the junction of the stomach and the duodenum. Its main function is to regulate the flow of partially digested food from the stomach into the small intestine. This control is crucial to ensure that the small intestine receives food at a manageable rate for optimal digestion and absorption of nutrients. The cardiac sphincter (A) is located at the entrance of the stomach from the esophagus and prevents acid reflux. The ileo-colic valve (C) is located between the small and large intestines, controlling the flow of contents between them. The sphincter of Oddi (D) regulates the flow of bile and pancreatic juice into the small intestine.
Question 2 of 5
Most of the absorption of nutrients occurs in the _____.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: jejunum. The jejunum is the middle part of the small intestine where the majority of nutrient absorption takes place. Its large surface area, due to the presence of villi and microvilli, facilitates efficient absorption of nutrients. The duodenum (B) primarily aids in digestion, not absorption. The ileum (D) absorbs bile salts and vitamin B12, but most nutrient absorption occurs in the jejunum. The colon (A) primarily absorbs water and electrolytes, not nutrients. Therefore, the jejunum is the correct answer for the site of most nutrient absorption in the digestive system.
Question 3 of 5
Carboxypeptidase requires _______ for its activity
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Carboxypeptidase is a metalloenzyme that requires zinc (Zn) for its activity as a cofactor. Zinc plays a crucial role in stabilizing the enzyme's structure and facilitating the catalytic reaction. Copper (A), niacin (B), and iron (C) are not directly involved in the enzymatic activity of carboxypeptidase. Copper is more commonly associated with other enzymes like cytochrome c oxidase, niacin is a vitamin, and iron is typically involved in heme-containing proteins like hemoglobin. Zinc is the correct choice as it directly supports carboxypeptidase function.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is reviewing the provider's prescriptions for a client experiencing a paralytic ileus following an appendectomy. Which of the following actions should the nurse expect to take?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Insert nasogastric tube. In a paralytic ileus, the intestines are unable to contract and move contents, leading to bowel obstruction. Inserting a nasogastric tube helps decompress the intestines by removing gas and fluid, relieving discomfort and preventing further complications. Administering an antacid (A) is not indicated for paralytic ileus. Providing a bulk-forming agent (B) may exacerbate the obstruction. Applying a truss (D) is used for hernias, not for paralytic ileus.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who requires total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which of the following actions should the nurse take when finding that the TPN solution is infusing too rapidly?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Stop the TPN infusion. If the TPN solution is infusing too rapidly, stopping the infusion is the most appropriate immediate action to prevent potential complications such as hyperglycemia, fluid overload, or electrolyte imbalances. This allows the nurse to assess the situation, adjust the infusion rate, and prevent harm to the client. A: Turning the client on his left side or sitting the client upright would not directly address the issue of the TPN solution infusing too rapidly. C: Adding insulin to the TPN infusion without assessing the client's blood glucose levels and consulting with the healthcare provider could lead to hypoglycemia and is not the initial priority when the TPN rate is too fast.