ATI RN
Gastrointestinal Diseases NCLEX Review Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
To evaluate the effect of nutritional interventions for a patient with protein-calorie malnutrition, what is the best indicator for the nurse to use?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Mid-upper arm circumference and triceps skinfold are commonly used indicators to assess muscle and fat reserves in individuals with protein-calorie malnutrition. Mid-upper arm circumference reflects muscle mass, while triceps skinfold measures body fat. These indicators provide a comprehensive assessment of the patient's nutritional status, making them the best choice for evaluating the effectiveness of nutritional interventions. A: Height and weight do not provide a specific assessment of muscle and fat reserves and may not accurately reflect changes in nutritional status. B: Weight in relation to ideal body weight does not differentiate between muscle and fat mass, making it less specific for assessing protein-calorie malnutrition. C: BMI is a general indicator of weight status and does not specifically measure muscle and fat reserves, making it less suitable for evaluating nutritional interventions in patients with protein-calorie malnutrition.
Question 2 of 5
What type of pain does the nurse expect a patient with an ulcer of the posterior portion of the duodenum to experience?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Back pain that occurs 2 to 4 hours following meals. This type of pain is characteristic of duodenal ulcers due to increased acid secretion post-meals. Pain occurs when acidic stomach contents enter the duodenum, stimulating pain receptors. Back pain is common as the ulcer is located in the posterior portion of the duodenum. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not correspond to the typical pain pattern of a duodenal ulcer. Choice A is more indicative of gastritis, Choice C is suggestive of peptic ulcer disease, and Choice D is more characteristic of gastric ulcers.
Question 3 of 5
A 22-year-old patient calls the outpatient clinic complaining of nausea and vomiting and right lower abdominal pain. What should the nurse advise the patient to do?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the patient is experiencing symptoms that could indicate appendicitis, a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Nausea, vomiting, and right lower abdominal pain are classic signs of appendicitis. Advising the patient to have the symptoms evaluated by a healthcare provider right away is crucial to prevent potential complications like a ruptured appendix. Choice A is incorrect because using a heating pad may worsen the condition if it is indeed appendicitis. Choice B is incorrect because drinking juice may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms. Choice C is incorrect because taking a laxative is not recommended as it could potentially aggravate the condition. In summary, choice D is the correct answer as it prioritizes the patient's health and safety by seeking prompt medical evaluation for the concerning symptoms.
Question 4 of 5
In report, the nurse learns that the patient has a transverse colostomy. What should the nurse expect when providing care for this patient?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Semiliquid stools with increased fluid requirements. A transverse colostomy is located in the upper part of the colon, where stool consistency is more liquid. This type of colostomy typically produces semiliquid stools due to the shorter transit time in the colon, leading to increased fluid requirements to prevent dehydration. Summary of other choices: B: Liquid stools in a pouch and increased fluid requirements - Incorrect because transverse colostomies produce semiliquid stools, not entirely liquid. C: Formed stools with a pouch, needing irrigation, but no fluid needs - Incorrect as transverse colostomies do not produce formed stools, and fluid intake is necessary. D: Semiformed stools in a pouch with the need to monitor fluid balance - Incorrect because transverse colostomies produce semiliquid stools, not semiformed, and increased fluid intake is needed.
Question 5 of 5
What causes the systemic effects of viral hepatitis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice D is correct: Activation of the complement system by antigen-antibody complexes leads to systemic effects in viral hepatitis. This process triggers inflammation, tissue damage, and immune responses that contribute to the systemic effects seen in viral hepatitis. The other choices (A, B, and C) do not directly cause systemic effects in viral hepatitis. Cholestasis and impaired portal circulation are more localized effects, while toxins produced by the infected liver may contribute to liver damage but not necessarily systemic effects.