ATI RN
Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions and Answers Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which intestinal layer accounts for the action of the peristaltic waves?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: muscularis. The muscularis layer of the intestine is responsible for generating peristaltic waves through rhythmic contractions of smooth muscle, aiding in the movement of food along the digestive tract. The serosa (A) is the outermost layer that provides protection and support. The submucosa (C) contains blood vessels and nerves, while the mucous (D) layer secretes mucus for lubrication and protection. Therefore, the muscularis layer is specifically designed for peristalsis, making it the correct choice.
Question 2 of 5
The ampulla of Vater is the area that joins the common bile duct to the _____ duct.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: pancreatic. The ampulla of Vater is where the common bile duct and the pancreatic duct join before emptying into the duodenum. The pancreatic duct carries digestive enzymes from the pancreas, which mix with bile from the common bile duct to aid in digestion. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the hepatic duct carries bile from the liver to the common bile duct, the cystic duct connects the gallbladder to the common bile duct, and the common hepatic duct is a part of the biliary system but does not directly join to the ampulla of Vater.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is a function of bile?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: digestion of fats. Bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder. It helps in emulsifying fats, breaking them down into smaller droplets to increase the surface area for enzymes to act upon. This aids in the digestion and absorption of fats in the small intestine. Other choices are incorrect because bile does not directly participate in the digestion of carbohydrates (A) or proteins (C). It also does not neutralize stomach acid (D), which is mainly done by pancreatic enzymes in the small intestine.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is preparing to administer three liquid medications to a client who has an NG feeding tube with continuous enteral feedings. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Flush the NG feeding tube with 30 mL of water immediately following medication administration. This is important to ensure that the medications are completely delivered into the client's system and to prevent any potential clogging of the feeding tube. Flushing with water helps clear any residual medication in the tube, maintaining its patency. A: Mixing the medications together is not recommended as it may alter the effectiveness of each individual medication. B: Diluting each medication with tap water is not necessary and may dilute the medication's concentration, affecting its effectiveness. C: Maintaining the head of the bed flat for 30 min following medication administration is not directly related to the proper administration of medications through an NG tube.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is caring for a client who has a postoperative ileus and an NG tube that has drained 2,500 mL in the past 6 hr. Which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor the client for?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Decreased potassium level. Postoperative ileus can lead to fluid and electrolyte imbalances. When a client has been draining a large volume of gastric fluid through an NG tube, it can lead to potassium depletion. Potassium is a major intracellular electrolyte and plays a crucial role in muscle function, including smooth muscle in the intestines. The loss of potassium through excessive drainage can lead to hypokalemia, which can further impair bowel function and exacerbate the ileus. Monitoring potassium levels is essential to prevent complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because elevated sodium, magnesium, and calcium levels are not typically associated with postoperative ileus and excessive NG tube drainage.