ATI RN
Gastrointestinal NCLEX RN Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
Which of the following triggers the formation of the others?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: enterokinase. Enterokinase is an enzyme that activates trypsinogen into trypsin in the small intestine, which then triggers the activation of other pancreatic zymogens like chymotrypsinogen and procarboxypeptidase. Trypsin itself does not activate other enzymes. Carboxypeptidase is not involved in the activation of other enzymes. Chymotrypsin is activated by trypsin, not the other way around. Thus, enterokinase is the enzyme that initiates the cascade of enzyme activation in the small intestine.
Question 2 of 5
What is the function of the villi in the small intestine?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The function of villi in the small intestine is to absorb nutrients from digested food. Villi increase the surface area for absorption, allowing nutrients to be absorbed efficiently. This process is essential for nutrient uptake and proper functioning of the body. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because villi do not secrete enzymes, transport water, or produce bile. Enzymes are secreted by the pancreas and other organs, water is primarily absorbed in the large intestine, and bile is produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is administering a tap water enema to a client who is constipated. During the administration of the enema, the client states he is having abdominal cramps. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to relieve the client's discomfort?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Lower the height of the solution container. Lowering the height of the solution container will decrease the flow rate of the enema solution, which can help reduce the client's abdominal cramps by slowing down the infusion. This allows the client's colon to more gradually distend and adjust to the increased volume of fluid. Encouraging the client to bear down (choice B) can increase discomfort and lead to straining. Allowing the client to expel some fluid before continuing (choice C) may not address the root cause of the discomfort. Stopping the enema and documenting intolerance (choice D) should be considered only if the discomfort persists despite adjusting the flow rate.
Question 4 of 5
A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) about ways to manage his condition. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Wait to go to bed for 1 hr after eating. This instruction helps prevent acid reflux by allowing time for digestion, reducing the likelihood of stomach contents flowing back up the esophagus while lying down. Sleeping on the left side (A) may also be helpful to reduce reflux, but it is not as effective as the correct answer. Drinking milk (B) can temporarily alleviate symptoms but may not address the underlying issue. Eating four small meals each day (C) can help manage GERD by preventing overeating, but the timing of meals in relation to bedtime is crucial for symptom management.
Question 5 of 5
Your patient is complaining of abdominal pain during assessment. What is your priority?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Auscultate to determine changes in bowel sounds. This is the priority because changes in bowel sounds can indicate various conditions like obstruction or peritonitis. It helps in assessing the function of the gastrointestinal tract. Observing the contour of the abdomen (B) and palpating for a mass (C) are important but come after auscultation. Percussing the abdomen (D) is not the priority in this scenario as it does not provide immediate information on the cause of abdominal pain.