ATI RN
Gastrointestinal Assessment Questions Questions
Question 1 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 2 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.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following are liver waste products?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: bilirubin. Bilirubin is a waste product produced during the breakdown of red blood cells in the liver. It is excreted in bile and gives feces its brown color. Bile salts aid in digestion, cholesterol is a lipid used for various functions, and electrolytes are essential for bodily functions but are not liver waste products. Therefore, bilirubin is the only true liver waste product in this list.
Question 4 of 5
A peristaltic rush which results in a failure to absorb enough colon water results in _____.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: diarrhea. A peristaltic rush causes rapid movement of contents through the intestines, leading to decreased absorption time in the colon. This results in excess water in the stool, leading to watery and loose bowel movements, which is characteristic of diarrhea. Constipation (A) is the opposite, with slow movement and difficulty passing stool. Cramps (C) may occur due to increased muscle contractions but are not directly related to water absorption. Flatus (D) is the passage of gas and not related to water absorption in the colon.
Question 5 of 5
Which of the following is synthesized and stored in the liver cells?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Glycogen. Glycogen is synthesized and stored in liver cells as a form of glucose storage for energy. The liver plays a key role in regulating blood glucose levels by converting excess glucose into glycogen for storage. Galactose (A) is a sugar found in milk and is metabolized in the liver, but it is not synthesized or stored there. Lactose (B) is a disaccharide found in dairy products and is broken down into glucose and galactose in the intestine, not synthesized or stored in the liver. Arabinose (D) is a sugar found in plants but is not synthesized or stored in the liver.