Review Questions
1
.
What organ is responsible for the initial breakdown of food through mechanical digestion?
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stomach
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small intestine
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mouth
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large intestine
2
.
What type of digestion involves the action of enzymes and acids?
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mechanical digestion
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chemical digestion
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absorptive digestion
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peristaltic digestion
3
.
Where does absorption of nutrients primarily occur in the gastrointestinal tract?
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stomach
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large intestine
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small intestine
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colon
4
.
What division of the nervous system is responsible for the rest-and-digest response?
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sympathetic nervous system
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parasympathetic nervous system
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central nervous system
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enteric nervous system
5
.
What part of the gastrointestinal tract is responsible for releasing chyme into the small intestine?
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cardia
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fundus
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body
-
pylorus
6
.
What segment of the small intestine is primarily responsible for absorbing nutrients?
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duodenum
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jejunum
-
ileum
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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?
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6 to 8 months
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12 to 18 months
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18 to 24 months
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24 to 30 months
8
.
What dietary component adds bulk to stool and promotes regular bowel movements?
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protein
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fat
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fiber
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sugar
9
.
What beverage can act as a mild stimulant to the digestive system, promoting bowel movements in some individuals?
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water
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coffee
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fruit juice
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milk
10
.
What GI side effect is commonly associated with proton pump inhibitors?
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constipation
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diarrhea
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nausea
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abdominal discomfort
11
.
How do tricyclic antidepressants primarily affect bowel function?
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increasing intestinal transit
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reducing stomach acid production
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increasing bowel motility
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slowing intestinal transit
12
.
What diagnostic tests will be ordered to assess bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine and carbohydrate malabsorption?
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liver function tests
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genetic testing
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breath tests
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stool culture
13
.
What endoscopic procedure is used to evaluate the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum for abnormalities such as ulcers, inflammation, or tumors?
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colonoscopy
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esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)
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flexible sigmoidoscopy
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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?
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“Patients with diarrhea will experience low sodium and high potassium.”
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“Patients with inflammatory bowel disease will experience high albumin and platelets.”
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“Patients with perforated bowels will experience a high CRP.”
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“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?
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“Stool softeners are medications used to alleviate constipation by adding moisture to the stool, making it softer and easier to pass.”
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“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.”
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“Laxatives are medications commonly used to manage constipation by promoting bowel movements.”
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“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?
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broccoli
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fried rice
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applesauce
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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?
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Encourage the patient to increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
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Teach the patient pelvic floor exercises, such as Kegel exercises, to strengthen muscle tone.
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Instruct the patient to avoid spicy foods and caffeine to minimize bowel irritation.
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Administer antidiarrheal medications to reduce stool frequency and urgency.