ATI RN
Gastrointestinal Tract Questions and Answers PDF Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the patient with chronic pancreatitis more likely to have than the patient with acute pancreatitis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In chronic pancreatitis, the pancreatic tissue undergoes irreversible damage leading to impaired exocrine and endocrine functions. This results in malabsorption due to decreased enzyme production and diabetes mellitus due to insufficient insulin production. Therefore, option C, malabsorption and diabetes mellitus, is the correct answer. Option A, the need to abstain from alcohol, is important for both acute and chronic pancreatitis as alcohol consumption can exacerbate both conditions. However, it is not a distinguishing factor between the two. Option B, experiencing acute abdominal pain, is more characteristic of acute pancreatitis due to sudden inflammation of the pancreas. Chronic pancreatitis often presents with recurrent or persistent abdominal pain rather than acute episodes. Option D, requiring a high-carbohydrate, high-protein, low-fat diet, may be a general dietary recommendation for pancreatic health but is not specific to chronic pancreatitis. Educationally, understanding the differences between acute and chronic pancreatitis is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide appropriate care and management strategies tailored to each condition. Recognizing the long-term complications such as malabsorption and diabetes mellitus in chronic pancreatitis is essential for optimizing patient outcomes.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is talking with a patient who has been experiencing nausea and vomiting. The patient indicates an interest in using alternative therapies for the condition. Which product may aid in nausea management?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Ginger has been shown to help alleviate nausea and vomiting due to its anti-inflammatory properties. 2. Ginger can help relax the stomach muscles and aid in digestion, reducing symptoms of nausea. 3. Studies have supported the use of ginger for managing nausea in various conditions. 4. Overall, ginger is a safe and effective option for nausea management. Summary of incorrect choices: - Ginseng: Ginseng is not commonly used for nausea relief and lacks sufficient evidence to support its effectiveness. - Chamomile: While chamomile is known for its calming effects, it is not specifically indicated for nausea management. - Soy: Soy is not typically used to alleviate nausea and vomiting symptoms.
Question 3 of 5
Where does the chemical digestion of starch begin?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: mouth. Chemical digestion of starch begins in the mouth with the enzyme amylase present in saliva. Amylase breaks down starch into maltose. This process initiates the breakdown of complex carbohydrates into simple sugars for absorption. In contrast, the esophagus is not involved in digestion, the stomach primarily performs mechanical and protein digestion, and the small intestine is where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients occur, but not where the initial digestion of starch begins.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is preparing to administer a medication via intramuscular (IM) injection. Which of the following sites is considered the safest for administering an IM injection?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is considered the safest for IM injections due to the presence of fewer major blood vessels and nerves, reducing the risk of injury. The site is easily accessible and has a thick muscle mass suitable for medication absorption. To locate the ventrogluteal site, the nurse can ask the patient to lie on their side with the knee slightly flexed. The nurse should locate the greater trochanter and iliac crest, forming a V-shaped area where the injection is administered. The other choices are not as safe as the ventrogluteal site. The dorsogluteal site is not recommended due to proximity to the sciatic nerve and major blood vessels. The deltoid muscle is a smaller muscle and may not be suitable for all types of medications. The vastus lateralis site is more commonly used for pediatric patients or adults with limited muscle mass in other areas.
Question 5 of 5
What role does the pancreas play in digestion?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: producing enzymes. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes such as amylase, lipase, and protease that help break down carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the small intestine. These enzymes are crucial for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. A: The pancreas does not produce bile. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. C: The pancreas does not store nutrients. Nutrient storage mainly occurs in the liver and adipose tissue. D: The pancreas does not absorb vitamins. Vitamin absorption primarily takes place in the small intestine. In summary, the pancreas plays a vital role in digestion by producing enzymes that aid in the breakdown of food components.