ATI RN
Questions on Gastrointestinal Tract Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which is most characteristic of carcinoma of the cecum or right colon (in contrast to carcinoma of the rectum)?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: anemia. Carcinoma of the cecum or right colon often presents with chronic blood loss, leading to iron deficiency anemia. This is due to the longer transit time in the right colon allowing for more time for blood to be lost and for the iron in the blood to be absorbed. Choices B, C, and D are less characteristic of carcinoma of the cecum or right colon. Polyposis is more commonly associated with familial adenomatous polyposis, bowel obstruction is more common in advanced stages regardless of location, and diarrhea is more commonly seen in rectal carcinomas due to irritation of the rectal mucosa.
Question 2 of 5
Which tissue layer provides for primary digestive motility?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Muscularis Mucosa. This layer is responsible for primary digestive motility due to its smooth muscle fibers that contract to move food along the digestive tract. The other choices do not directly contribute to motility. A: Mucosa is the innermost layer involved in absorption. B: Submucosa provides support and contains blood vessels. C: Mesentery is a connective tissue that supports and attaches organs, but does not directly regulate motility.
Question 3 of 5
Which of the following is not a component of saliva?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hydrochloric acid. Saliva is composed mainly of water, amylase (an enzyme that breaks down starch), and mucus. Hydrochloric acid is not a component of saliva; instead, it is a component of gastric juice produced in the stomach. It plays a role in the digestion of food in the stomach by lowering the pH level. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer as it does not belong to the components of saliva. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are all components found in saliva.
Question 4 of 5
When the stomach is empty, it folds up into wrinkles called:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: rugae. When the stomach is empty, it folds up into wrinkles called rugae. These folds allow the stomach to expand when food is consumed and contract when it is empty. Shincters (A) are muscular valves that control the flow of food in and out of the stomach, not the folds of the stomach itself. Bolus (B) refers to a small rounded mass of a substance, typically food that has been chewed and is ready to be swallowed, not the wrinkles of the stomach. Chyme (D) is the semi-fluid mass of partly digested food that is expelled by the stomach into the small intestine, not the folds of the stomach.
Question 5 of 5
A 22-yr-old female patient with an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis is having 15 to 20 stools daily and has excoriated perianal skin. Which patient behavior indicates that teaching regarding maintenance of skin integrity has been effective?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The patient uses witch hazel compresses to soothe irritation. Witch hazel has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin. By using witch hazel compresses, the patient is actively taking steps to alleviate discomfort and promote skin healing. A: The patient using incontinence briefs to contain loose stools does not address the issue of skin integrity maintenance and may lead to prolonged exposure of the skin to stool, exacerbating the problem. C: Asking for antidiarrheal medication after each stool does not directly address the need for skin integrity maintenance. While it may help reduce stool frequency, it does not specifically target skin healing. D: Cleaning the perianal area with soap after each stool can be harsh on the already excoriated skin and may further irritate it. Using soap can strip the skin of its natural oils and hinder the healing process.