ATI RN
Gastrointestinal Assessment Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
What occurs during swallowing?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because during swallowing, the swallowing center in the medulla oblongata inhibits the medullary respiratory center to prevent aspiration. This coordination ensures that breathing is temporarily halted to prevent food or liquid from entering the airway. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because not all processes of deglutition are under voluntary control, the vocal folds actually close to protect the airway during swallowing, and the movement of the food bolus down the esophagus is facilitated by peristalsis rather than gravity.
Question 2 of 5
By the time food leaves the stomach it is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: a creamy paste called chyme. After food enters the stomach, it gets mixed with gastric juices and enzymes, forming a semi-liquid substance known as chyme. This chyme is then slowly released into the small intestine for further digestion and absorption of nutrients. Option B is incorrect as food is not rolled into a bolus in the stomach but rather churned into chyme. Option C is incorrect as pepsin, an enzyme for protein digestion, is already present in the stomach and starts working on digesting proteins before the food leaves the stomach. Option D is incorrect as chyme is the accurate description of the partially digested food leaving the stomach.
Question 3 of 5
What should the nurse admitting a patient with acute diverticulitis plan for initial care?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer IV fluids. Initial care for acute diverticulitis involves IV fluids to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance, as patients often have nausea, vomiting, and decreased oral intake. IV fluids help prevent dehydration and support the body during the acute phase of the condition. Options B, C, and D are incorrect. Colonoscopy is contraindicated during acute diverticulitis due to the risk of perforation. High-fiber diet and stool softeners/enemas are not recommended initially as they can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of complications.
Question 4 of 5
A patient calls the clinic to report a new onset of severe diarrheWhat should the nurse anticipate that the patient will need to do?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A Rationale: 1. Stool specimen collection helps identify the cause of diarrhea (e.g., infection). 2. It assists in determining appropriate treatment. 3. It helps rule out serious conditions. 4. Colonoscopy (B) and barium enema (C) are invasive procedures not typically indicated for acute diarrhea. 5. Blood cultures (D) are not the first-line investigation for diarrhea without systemic signs of infection.
Question 5 of 5
Gastrin secretion will stop when the stomach pH reaches _____.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 3. Gastrin secretion is stimulated by low pH levels in the stomach. When the stomach pH drops below 3, gastrin secretion is triggered to increase stomach acid production. Once the stomach pH reaches around 3, a negative feedback mechanism is activated to stop gastrin secretion and prevent excessive acid production. Choices A (7), B (4.5), and C (1.5) are incorrect because gastrin secretion is actually inhibited by higher pH levels, not when the pH reaches neutral (7), slightly acidic (4.5), or extremely acidic (1.5) levels. The key here is to understand the physiological response of gastrin secretion to pH levels in the stomach.