ATI RN
Gastrointestinal Nursing Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
When assessing a patient with acute pancreatitis, the nurse would expect to find
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because severe midepigastric or LUQ pain is a classic symptom of acute pancreatitis due to inflammation of the pancreas. This pain is usually persistent and can radiate to the back. A: Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with acute pancreatitis but rather with conditions like gastroenteritis. B: Hypertension and tachycardia are not specific to acute pancreatitis and can be seen in various medical conditions. C: While fever can be present in acute pancreatitis, a specific temperature greater than 102°F is not a defining characteristic.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is percussing a patient's abdomen and hears a dull thud in the right upper quadrant. This sound indicates that the nurse is percussing over which location?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The liver. When percussing the abdomen, a dull thud in the right upper quadrant indicates the presence of a solid organ like the liver. The liver is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, making it the most likely source of the dull sound. The other choices are incorrect because the small intestine and stomach are hollow organs, which would produce a tympanic sound when percussed. The lungs are located in the thoracic cavity, not the abdominal cavity, so percussing over the lungs would not produce a sound in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
Question 3 of 5
In which part of the alimentary canal does most digestion occur?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: proximal small intestine. Most digestion occurs in the proximal small intestine because it is where the majority of enzymes are secreted to break down food. This section also has a large surface area for absorption of nutrients. The stomach primarily breaks down food with acids, while the distal small intestine and ascending colon focus on absorption of nutrients and water, respectively.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is teaching a patient with diabetes about foot care. Which statement by the patient indicates that further teaching is needed?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - "I can use heating pads to warm my feet if they are cold." Rationale: 1. Using heating pads can cause burns or injuries due to reduced sensation in diabetic feet. 2. Patients with diabetes should avoid direct heat on their feet. 3. Optimal foot care for diabetics includes inspecting feet, washing with mild soap, and trimming nails correctly. Summary: A: Correct - Washing feet daily is recommended. B: Correct - Inspecting feet daily is essential for early detection of issues. C: Incorrect - Using heating pads can be harmful to diabetic feet. D: Correct - Trimming toenails straight across is an appropriate practice.
Question 5 of 5
Which of these enzymes is responsible for digesting proteins?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: trypsin. Trypsin is responsible for digesting proteins as it specifically breaks down proteins into smaller peptides. Amylase (A) digests carbohydrates, lipase (B) breaks down fats, and sucrase (D) digests sucrose, a type of sugar. Trypsin is produced by the pancreas and plays a crucial role in protein digestion in the small intestine. Its specificity for proteins makes it the correct enzyme for this function.