ATI RN
Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions and Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
What blocks pancreatic secretions from entering the duodenum?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: sphincter of Oddi. This sphincter controls the flow of pancreatic secretions and bile into the duodenum. It regulates the release of digestive enzymes from the pancreas and bile from the liver, ensuring proper digestion. The other choices are incorrect because: A: pyloric valve controls the flow of food from the stomach to the small intestine, not pancreatic secretions. C: the common bile duct carries bile from the liver and gallbladder to the duodenum, not pancreatic secretions. D: cholecystokinin secretion is a hormone that stimulates the release of bile from the gallbladder, not a physical barrier to block pancreatic secretions.
Question 2 of 5
Which of the following is a function of bile?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: digestion of fats. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It helps in emulsifying fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets to increase the surface area for enzymes to act upon. This aids in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Other choices are incorrect because bile does not directly participate in the digestion of carbohydrates (A) or proteins (C). It also does not neutralize stomach acid (D), which is mainly done by pancreatic enzymes in the small intestine.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is preparing to administer three liquid medications to a client who has an NG feeding tube with continuous enteral feedings. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Flush the NG feeding tube with 30 mL of water immediately following medication administration. This is important to ensure that the medications are completely delivered into the client's system and to prevent any potential clogging of the feeding tube. Flushing with water helps clear any residual medication in the tube, maintaining its patency. A: Mixing the medications together is not recommended as it may alter the effectiveness of each individual medication. B: Diluting each medication with tap water is not necessary and may dilute the medication's concentration, affecting its effectiveness. C: Maintaining the head of the bed flat for 30 min following medication administration is not directly related to the proper administration of medications through an NG tube.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a postoperative ileus and an NG tube that has drained 2,500 mL in the past 6 hr. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor the client for?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased potassium level. Postoperative ileus can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. When a client has been draining a large volume of gastric fluid through an NG tube, it can lead to potassium depletion. Potassium is a major intracellular electrolyte and plays a crucial role in muscle function, including smooth muscle in the intestines. The loss of potassium through excessive drainage can lead to hypokalemia, which can further impair bowel function and exacerbate the ileus. Monitoring potassium levels is essential to prevent complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because elevated sodium, magnesium, and calcium levels are not typically associated with postoperative ileus and excessive NG tube drainage.
Question 5 of 5
Your patient has a GI tract that is functioning, but has the inability to swallow foods. Which is the preferred method of feeding for your patient?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this scenario, the preferred method of feeding for a patient with the inability to swallow foods is option C) NG feeding (Nasogastric feeding). NG feeding is the correct choice because it allows for the delivery of necessary nutrients directly into the stomach through a tube inserted through the nose. This method ensures that the patient receives essential nutrition while bypassing the oral route, which the patient cannot currently utilize due to the inability to swallow. Option A) TPN (Total Parenteral Nutrition) is incorrect in this case because it involves delivering nutrition intravenously, typically used when the GI tract is non-functional or inaccessible. Since the patient's GI tract is functioning, TPN would be an overly invasive and unnecessary method of feeding. Option B) PPN (Partial Parenteral Nutrition) is also not the preferred method in this situation as it is used for short-term nutritional support and may not provide adequate nutrition for a patient who is unable to swallow foods. Option D) Oral liquid supplements are not suitable for a patient who cannot swallow as they still require the patient to ingest the liquid orally, which is not feasible in this case. In an educational context, understanding the appropriate method of feeding based on a patient's condition is crucial for providing optimal care. NG feeding is a common intervention for patients with swallowing difficulties, ensuring they receive the necessary nutrition while supporting their overall health and recovery.