ATI RN
NCLEX Questions Gastrointestinal System Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is an accurate description of eosinophilic esophagitis?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because eosinophilic esophagitis is characterized by swelling of the esophagus due to an allergic response to food or environmental triggers. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell typically involved in allergic reactions. Adenocarcinoma or squamous cell tumors (choice A) are types of esophageal cancer, not related to eosinophilic esophagitis. Dilated veins in the esophagus from portal hypertension (choice B) are seen in conditions such as cirrhosis, not eosinophilic esophagitis. Inflammation from irritants or gastric reflux (choice C) may cause esophagitis but not specifically eosinophilic esophagitis, which is immune-mediated.
Question 2 of 5
During a routine screening colonoscopy on a 56-year-old patient, a rectosigmoidal polyp was identified and remove The patient asks the nurse if his risk for colon cancer is increased because of the polyp. What is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: 1. Choice C is correct because it acknowledges that all polyps are abnormal and should be removed, but the risk for cancer depends on the type and presence of malignant changes. 2. This response is accurate as not all polyps become cancerous, and the risk varies depending on the specific characteristics of the polyp. 3. It also emphasizes the importance of removing polyps and monitoring for any signs of malignancy, aligning with best practice guidelines for colon cancer prevention. 4. In contrast, choices A, B, and D provide misleading information by either downplaying or exaggerating the risk associated with polyps, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety or complacency in the patient.
Question 3 of 5
The patient returned from a 6-week mission trip to Somalia with complaints of nausea, malaise, fatigue, and achy muscles. Which type of hepatitis is this patient most likely to have contracted?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hepatitis E (HEV). The patient's symptoms of nausea, malaise, fatigue, and muscle aches are consistent with acute hepatitis, and HEV is commonly transmitted through contaminated water in developing countries like Somalia. Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) are more commonly transmitted through blood or body fluids. Hepatitis D (HDV) requires HBV for replication, making it less likely in this case. In summary, based on the patient's symptoms and travel history, Hepatitis E (HEV) is the most likely cause of the illness.
Question 4 of 5
To treat a cirrhotic patient with hepatic encephalopathy, lactulose (Cephulac), rifaximin (Xifaxan), and a proton pump inhibitor are ordere The patient's family wants to know why the laxative is ordere What is the best explanation the nurse can give to the patient's family?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: "It traps ammonia and eliminates it in the feces." In hepatic encephalopathy, excessive ammonia levels lead to neurological symptoms. Lactulose works by acidifying the colon, converting ammonia to ammonium, trapping it, and promoting its excretion in feces. This reduces ammonia absorption, alleviating encephalopathy. Explanation of other choices: A: Incorrect. Lactulose does not directly reduce portal venous pressure. B: Incorrect. Lactulose does not eliminate blood from the GI tract. D: Incorrect. Lactulose does not directly decrease bacteria to reduce ammonia formation. In summary, the nurse should explain to the patient's family that lactulose helps by trapping ammonia in the GI tract and facilitating its removal in the feces, thus reducing ammonia levels in the body and improving hepatic encephalopathy symptoms.
Question 5 of 5
Following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, what should the nurse expect to be part of the plan of care?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. After a laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the patient typically has up to four small abdominal incisions that are covered with small dressings. This is because laparoscopic cholecystectomy is a minimally invasive procedure involving small incisions, which do not require extensive wound care. The incisions are small and usually heal well with minimal scarring. Explanation for why other choices are incorrect: A: Return to work in 2 to 3 weeks - This is not part of the immediate postoperative plan of care. Patients may need more time to recover before returning to work. B: Be hospitalized for 3 to 5 days postoperatively - Patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy typically have a shorter hospital stay, usually 1 to 2 days, not 3 to 5 days. C: Have a T-tube placed in the common bile duct to provide bile drainage - This is not typically done after a laparoscopic