ATI RN
Gastrointestinal NCLEX RN Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
What is the primary function of the enzyme amylase in digestion?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Breakdown of carbohydrates. Amylase is an enzyme that specifically targets and breaks down carbohydrates like starch into simpler sugars like glucose. This breakdown process starts in the mouth during chewing and continues in the small intestine. Amylase plays a crucial role in the digestion of carbohydrates, facilitating their absorption by the body. Incorrect choices: A: Breakdown of proteins - Proteins are broken down by enzymes like pepsin and trypsin, not by amylase. C: Breakdown of fats - Fats are broken down by lipase enzymes, not by amylase. D: Absorption of water - Water absorption primarily occurs in the large intestine and is not a function of amylase in digestion.
Question 2 of 5
A patient in the emergency department has just been diagnosed with peritonitis from a ruptured diverticulum. Which prescribed intervention will the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Insert a urinary catheter to drain. In this scenario, the patient has peritonitis from a ruptured diverticulum, which can lead to sepsis. The priority intervention is to insert a urinary catheter to monitor urine output, as decreased urine output can indicate worsening sepsis. This intervention helps assess the patient's fluid status and kidney function, guiding further management. Sending the patient for a CT scan (choice A) can be important for diagnosis but is not the immediate priority. Administering antibiotics like metronidazole (choice D) is crucial, but assessing urine output takes precedence. Choice C is incomplete.
Question 3 of 5
The alimentary tube is around _____ meters long.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 6. The alimentary tube, also known as the digestive tract, is approximately 6 meters long in adults. This length allows for the proper digestion and absorption of nutrients. Choice A (2) is too short for the length of the digestive tract. Choice B (4) is closer but still shorter than the actual length. Choice D (9) is too long and does not accurately represent the length of the alimentary tube. Therefore, choice C is the most accurate and logical option based on the average length of the human digestive tract.
Question 4 of 5
Which of the following triggers the formation of the others?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: enterokinase. Enterokinase is an enzyme that activates trypsinogen into trypsin in the small intestine, which then triggers the activation of other pancreatic zymogens like chymotrypsinogen and procarboxypeptidase. Trypsin itself does not activate other enzymes. Carboxypeptidase is not involved in the activation of other enzymes. Chymotrypsin is activated by trypsin, not the other way around. Thus, enterokinase is the enzyme that initiates the cascade of enzyme activation in the small intestine.
Question 5 of 5
Gallbladder stones are medically referred to as a _____ condition.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: cholelithiasis. Cholelithiasis specifically refers to the formation of gallstones in the gallbladder. Cholecystitis (A) is inflammation of the gallbladder. Cholecystectomy (B) is the surgical removal of the gallbladder. Cholesterol calculi (D) refers to gallstones made of cholesterol. Cholelithiasis is the most appropriate term to describe the presence of gallstones in the gallbladder.