Gastrointestinal System (Exam One)

Question 1

What diagnostic test is considered the gold standard when attempting to identify the source of nausea and vomiting?

Answer 1

Endoscopy (EGD)

Question 2

What is the primary nursing management for a patient who is constantly vomiting?

Answer 2

• NPO

- IV fluids until causative source is identified

Question 3

The nurse knows to do what in order to prevent a post-operative patient from aspiration?

Answer 3

Turn them on their side

Question 4

What type of oral intake should be implemented FIRST after nausea and vomiting?

Answer 4

Clear liquids

Question 5

A patient who is lethargic and difficult to arouse is at an increased risk for what?

Answer 5

Aspiration

Question 6

A patient diagnosed with GERD experiences nighttime disturbances. What type of education should the nurse provide to the patient?

Answer 6

Elevate the HOB

Question 7

The nurse should plan on the completing what type of assessment on a patient with GERD who has a decreased level of consciousness?

Answer 7

Respiratory assessment (i.e. auscultate breath sounds)

Question 8

What type of education should the nurse provide to a patient newly diagnosed with GERD?

Answer 8

• Upright position 2 to 3 hours after meals
• Avoid eating 3 hours before bed
• Avoid tight clothing

Question 9

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) aid in treating what diagnosis?

Answer 9

• GERD

- Heartburn

Question 10

How do proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) aid in decreasing heartburn and treating GERD?

Answer 10

Decrease stomach acid production

Question 11

The nurse should educate the patient to take proton pump inhibitors during what time of day?

Answer 11

Before first meal

Question 12

List examples of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

HINT: -azole

Answer 12

• Omeprazole (Prilosec)
• Esomeprazole (Nexium)
• Lansoprazole (Prevacid)
• Pantoprazole (Protonix)

Question 13

What drug classes are commonly administered to patients with peptic ulcer disease?

Answer 13

• H2 receptor blockers

- Prokinetics

Question 14

What is the primary function of H2 receptor blockers?

Answer 14

• Decreases gastric acid secretion

- Inhibit development of stress ulcers

Question 15

List examples of H2 receptor blockers.

HINT: -dine

Answer 15

• Famotidine (Pepcid/Zantac)

- Cimetidine (Tagamet)

Question 16

Describe the function of the drug class prokinetics.

Answer 16

• Increase gastric emptying

- Increase gastric motility

Question 17

List examples of prokinetics.

Answer 17

Reglan

Question 18

What side effects should the nurse be aware of when administering Reglan to a patient?

Answer 18

• Hallucinations
• Tremors
• Dyskinesia

Question 19

Describe the function of antacids.

Answer 19

• Neutralize stomach acid
• Quick relief for mild, intermittent symptoms
• Short duration

Question 20

The nurse should educate the patient to take antacids at what time of the day?

Answer 20

• After meals

- At bedtime

Question 21

What type of education should the nurse provide to a patient who is fixing to have a esophagram (barium swallow) diagnostic study performed?

Answer 21

• Cause severe constipation
• Cause clay-colored stools
• Increase fluid intake

Question 22

The nurse knows they cannot administer magnesium preparations of antacids to patients with what disease process?

Answer 22

Renal failure

Question 23

A patient who takes an excessive amount of antacids is at an increased risk for developing what?

Answer 23

Hypercalcemia

Question 24

The nurse knows a patient with a history of Nissan fundoplication will require what type of meals?

Answer 24

• Smaller meals

- More frequent meals

Question 25

After the nurse teaches a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) about recommended dietary modifications, which statement by the patient indicates that the teaching has been effective?

A. “I can have a glass of low-fat milk at bedtime.”
B. “I will have to eliminate all spicy foods from my diet.”
C. “I will have to use herbal teas instead of caffeinated drinks.”
D. “I should keep something in my stomach all the time to neutralize the excess acids.”

Answer 25

C. “I will have to use herbal teas instead of caffeinated drinks.”