Review Questions

1.

What organ is responsible for the initial breakdown of food through mechanical digestion?

1. stomach
2. small intestine
3. mouth
4. large intestine

2.

What type of digestion involves the action of enzymes and acids?

1. mechanical digestion
2. chemical digestion
3. absorptive digestion
4. peristaltic digestion

3.

Where does absorption of nutrients primarily occur in the gastrointestinal tract?

1. stomach
2. large intestine
3. small intestine
4. colon

4.

What division of the nervous system is responsible for the rest-and-digest response?

1. sympathetic nervous system
2. parasympathetic nervous system
3. central nervous system
4. enteric nervous system

5.

What part of the gastrointestinal tract is responsible for releasing chyme into the small intestine?

1. cardia
2. fundus
3. body
4. pylorus

6.

What segment of the small intestine is primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients?

1. duodenum
2. jejunum
3. ileum
4. cecum

7.

When discussing toilet training readiness signs with parents of a 20-month-old infant, the nurse emphasizes that many infants begin to demonstrate awareness of bowel sensations at what age?

1. 6 to 8 months
2. 12 to 18 months
3. 18 to 24 months
4. 24 to 30 months

8.

What dietary component adds bulk to stool and promotes regular bowel movements?

1. protein
2. fat
3. fiber
4. sugar

9.

What beverage can act as a mild stimulant to the digestive system, promoting bowel movements in some individuals?

1. water
2. coffee
3. fruit juice
4. milk

10.

What GI side effect is commonly associated with proton pump inhibitors?

1. constipation
2. diarrhea
3. nausea
4. abdominal discomfort

11.

How do tricyclic antidepressants primarily affect bowel function?

1. increasing intestinal transit
2. reducing stomach acid production
3. increasing bowel motility
4. slowing intestinal transit

12.

What diagnostic tests will be ordered to assess bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine and carbohydrate malabsorption?

1. liver function tests
2. genetic testing
3. breath tests
4. stool culture

13.

What endoscopic procedure is used to evaluate the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for abnormalities such as ulcers, inflammation, or tumors?

1. colonoscopy
2. esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
3. flexible sigmoidoscopy
4. capsule endoscopy

14.

A newly graduated nurse is reviewing laboratory values with their preceptor. What statement made by the newly graduated nurse would demonstrate a correct interpretation of the laboratory values?

1. “Patients with diarrhea will experience low sodium and high potassium.”
2. “Patients with inflammatory bowel disease will experience high albumin and platelets.”
3. “Patients with perforated bowels will experience a high CRP.”
4. “Patients with dehydration will experience a high sodium and chloride.”

15.

A nursing student is reviewing medications used to treat constipation with the nurse. What statement made by the nursing student would warrant further education?

1. “Stool softeners are medications used to alleviate constipation by adding moisture to the stool, making it softer and easier to pass.”
2. “Enemas are another intervention used to manage constipation, involving the introduction of a liquid solution into the rectum to stimulate bowel movements and evacuate stool.”
3. “Laxatives are medications commonly used to manage constipation by promoting bowel movements.”
4. “Suppositories are liquid medications inserted into the rectum, where they dissolve and release medication locally.”

16.

You are caring for a patient with diarrhea. What food would you recommend the patient eat?

1. broccoli
2. fried rice
3. applesauce
4. beans

17.

A 65-year-old patient presents to the clinic with complaints of fecal incontinence. The nurse conducts a comprehensive assessment and identifies muscle weakness in the pelvic floor as a contributing factor. What intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care to address this underlying cause?

1. Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
2. Teach the patient pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, to strengthen muscle tone.
3. Instruct the patient to avoid spicy foods and caffeine to minimize bowel irritation.
4. Administer antidiarrheal medications to reduce stool frequency and urgency.