GI

Question 1

The nurse determines that a patient’s body mass index (BMI) is 22 kg/m2. Based on this
finding, what should the nurse conclude?
1. BMI should be between 19 and 25 kg/m2. The patient’s weight is within a healthful range.
2. The patient needs to lose weight for optimum health.
3. The patient is mildly obese.
4. The patient’s BMI is below normal.

Answer 1

1. BMI should be between 19 and 25 kg/m2. The patient’s weight is within a healthful range.

Question 2

The nurse is teaching a group of older adults about expected changes in dental health related
to aging. Which statement by one of the older adults indicates that teaching has been
effective?
1. “Tooth enamel is more pliable.”
2. “The loss of bone density with aging results in tooth decay and breakage.”
3. “Increases in saliva production increase exposure of the tooth’s enamel to corrosive agents.”
4. “Metabolic changes in aging contribute to dental destruction.”

Answer 2

2. “The loss of bone density with aging results in tooth decay and breakage.”

Question 3

A patient with a 2-month history of diarrhea is prescribed a diagnostic test that uses a
narrow x-ray beam to provide a 360-degree view of abdominal structures. For which diagnostic
test should the nurse prepare the patient?
1. Liver biopsy
2. Cholecystography
3. Gastric emptying study
4. Computed tomography

Answer 3

4. Computed tomography

Question 4

The nurse is preparing to assess a young adult female with right-upper-quadrant abdominal
pain. Which question should the nurse ask when performing this assessment?
1. “Does the pain worsen when you inhale?”
2. “Do you have a history of diabetes?”
3. “When you eat, do you experience any nausea?”
4. “Have your periods been normal?”

Answer 4

1. “Does the pain worsen when you inhale?”

Question 5

While conducting an abdominal assessment, the nurse notes dullness on percussion when
the patient turns from the supine position to the right side. How should the nurse interpret this
finding?
1. The patient is exhibiting normal findings.
2. The patient is exhibiting signs consistent with ascites.
3. The patient is exhibiting signs consistent with a bowel obstruction.
4. The patient is exhibiting signs consistent with hepatomegaly.

Answer 5

2. The patient is exhibiting signs consistent with ascites.

Question 6

The nurse is planning the diet for a patient scheduled to have a barium enema in 2 days.
What kind of diet should the nurse plan for the next 48 hours?
1. General diet
2. Full diet today, clear liquids tomorrow
3. Full liquids today, nothing by mouth tomorrow
4. Clear liquids both today and tomorrow

Answer 6

2. Full diet today, clear liquids tomorrow

Question 7

A patient is recovering from a sigmoidoscopy with removal of a benign polyp. What should
the nurse include in this patient’s discharge instructions?
1. Contact the primary healthcare provider if experiencing large amounts of flatus.
2. Avoid heavy lifting for 2 weeks after procedure.
3. Report abdominal pain, fever, or chills.
4. Beginning the evening after the procedure, eat foods high in fiber.

Answer 7

3. Report abdominal pain, fever, or chills.

Question 8

An 85-year-old patient is concerned about the loss of sensation of the need to defecate.
How should the nurse respond?
1. “This is a normal part of aging due to slowed intestinal absorption.”
2. “As you age, the rectum loses tone, and there is a reduced sensation of the need to
defecate.”
3. “Have you had a colonoscopy in the past year to evaluate the condition?”
4. “Reduced vitamin K absorption is associated with this condition.”

Answer 8

2. “As you age, the rectum loses tone, and there is a reduced sensation of the need to
   defecate.”

Question 9

The nurse is teaching a patient scheduled for a colonoscopy. Which patient statement
indicates a need for further teaching?
1. “The procedure will only take about an hour.”
2. “It might be quite painful.”
3. “I will likely have medications that will make me drowsy during the test.”
4. “The physician might take tissue samples for further analysis.”

Answer 9

2. “It might be quite painful.”

Question 10

The nurse is planning care for a patient scheduled for a barium enema the next morning.
What should be included in the plan of care?
1. Enemas after the procedure
2. Full-liquid diet for 24 hours before the procedure
3. Positioning the patient on the right side during the procedure
4. Nothing by mouth for 8-12 hours prior to the procedure

Answer 10

4. Nothing by mouth for 8-12 hours prior to the procedure

Question 11

During the admission assessment, the nurse learns that a patient is menstruating. Which
prescribed diagnostic test could be impacted by this finding?
1. Small bowel series
2. Barium enema
3. Stool culture
4. Colonoscopy

Answer 11

3. Stool culture

Question 12

An older patient does not understand why the hemoglobin level is low despite eating a
healthy diet. How should the nurse respond?
1. “You might not be eating as well as you think.”
2. “This happens as you get older.”
3. “As we age, the amount of iron absorbed by our body decreases.”
4. “Menopause is responsible for these changes.”

Answer 12

3. “As we age, the amount of iron absorbed by our body decreases.”

Question 13

When assessing a patient’s abdomen, the nurse notes frequent pulsations in the epigastric
region. What action should the nurse take?
1. Document the findings as hyperactive bowel sounds.
2. Review the patient’s medical records for signs and symptoms of cirrhosis, which may indicate
ascites.
3. Note the time when the patient last voided.
4. Notify the physician about the findings.

Answer 13

4. Notify the physician about the findings.

Question 14

The nurse is conducting an abdominal assessment. Which finding should the nurse realize is
most likely related to a diagnosis of acute diverticulitis?
1. Lower-right-quadrant pain
2. Lower-left-quadrant pain
3. Upper-middle abdominal pain
4. Back pain and tenderness

Answer 14

2. Lower-left-quadrant pain

Question 15

A patient reports epigastric abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. The serum amylase level
is 450 units/dL. For which health problem should the nurse plan care?
1. Gastritis
2. Malnutrition
3. Pancreatitis
4. Diverticulitis

Answer 15

3. Pancreatitis

Question 15

The nurse determines that a patient has a scaphoid abdomen. Which health problem should
the nurse suspect the patient is experiencing?
1. Type 2 diabetes mellitus
2. Crohn disease
3. Malnutrition
4. Diverticulosis

Answer 15

3. Malnutrition

Question 16

The nurse is teaching a patient about a scheduled small bowel series. Which statement by
the patient indicates that further teaching is required?
1. “It is normal to experience constipation for a few days after the procedure.”
2. “I will need to increase my fluid intake the first few days after the procedure.”
3. “I might have a laxative prescribed after the procedure.”
4. “The barium will be inserted through my rectum.”

Answer 16

1. “It is normal to experience constipation for a few days after the procedure.”

Question 17

The nurse is planning teaching for a patient scheduled for an abdominal ultrasound. How
should the nurse instruct the patient to prepare for this test?
1. “Advise the technician if you suspect you are pregnant.”
2. “Drink 1 to 2 quarts of water 1 hour before the procedure.”
3. “Do not eat anything 8 to 12 hours before the procedure.”
4. “Take a laxative the evening before the procedure.”

Answer 17

3. “Do not eat anything 8 to 12 hours before the procedure.”

Question 18

A patient complains of constipation. Which question should the nurse ask to learn more
about the problem?
1. “Are you taking any narcotic medication?”
2. “Have you been taking over-the-counter pain relievers?”
3. “Have you been taking over-the-counter sleep aids?”
4. “Are you taking oral contraceptives?”

Answer 18

1. “Are you taking any narcotic medication?”

Question 19

The nurse is planning care for a patient who has a moderate daily protein restriction. Which
meal choice would be most appropriate for this patient?
1. Peanut butter sandwich and apple slices
2. Bean soup and spinach salad
3. Salmon fillet and asparagus
4. Fried rice and fresh strawberries

Answer 19

3. Salmon fillet and asparagus

Question 20

SATA:
The nurse is planning a class on nutrition for middle-school students. Which data points
should be included in the presentation? Select all that apply.
1. Sufficient dietary fats help people absorb vitamins.
2. Cholesterol is needed for proper hormonal function.
3. Fat tissue helps insulate the internal organs.
4. Vitamin K is formed by the action of ultraviolet radiation on the skin.
5. Vitamin D is synthesized by bacteria in the intestine.

Answer 20

1. Sufficient dietary fats help people absorb vitamins.
2. Cholesterol is needed for proper hormonal function.
3. Fat tissue helps insulate the internal organs.

Question 21

The home health nurse is teaching a patient about vitamin requirements. Which statement
indicates that the patient requires additional teaching?
1. “I will follow the National Academy of Sciences recommendations for daily intake of
vitamins.”
2. “I might need more or fewer vitamins than someone else, based on my lifestyle.”
3. “Evidence-based practice sometimes changes the recommended amount of a specific
vitamin.”
4. “Vitamins obtained through food are superior to those obtained through tablets and pills.”

Answer 21

4. “Vitamins obtained through food are superior to those obtained through tablets and pills.”

Question 22

SATA:
A patient asks if going on an all-fruit diet is a good decision. How should the nurse respond?
Select all that apply.
1. “Fruit is natural and a good source of carbohydrates.”
2. “Fruit is a good source of carbohydrates but a poor source of fats and protein.”
3. “Fruit supplies many important vitamins but can cause muscle breakdown.”
4. “Incorporating fruit with complete sources of protein and healthful fats provides complete
nutrition.”
5. “A fruit-based diet will reduce your risk of developing diabetes mellitus.”

Answer 22

2. “Fruit is a good source of carbohydrates but a poor source of fats and protein.”
3. “Fruit supplies many important vitamins but can cause muscle breakdown.”
4. “Incorporating fruit with complete sources of protein and healthful fats provides complete
   nutrition.”

Question 23

SATA:
The nurse is teaching a group of 6-year-olds about the digestive system. Which statement
by a child indicates that teaching has been effective? Select all that apply.
1. “Grown-ups have 28 teeth.”
2. “Spit helps you taste your food.”
3. “Food starts breaking down in the stomach.”
4. “It’s like a tube. Food I need goes in one end. What I don’t need comes out the other.”
5. “The food moves through the tube in waves, like a snake eating a mouse.”

Answer 23

2. “Spit helps you taste your food.”
3. “It’s like a tube. Food I need goes in one end. What I don’t need comes out the other.”
4. “The food moves through the tube in waves, like a snake eating a mouse.”

Question 24

The nurse reviews the functions of the gastrointestinal system for a patient with celiac
disease. Which statement by the patient indicates that teaching has been effective?
1. “The stomach begins the process of absorbing nutrients.”
2. “The stomach turns food into liquid so it can be digested.”
3. “The stomach begins the digestion of carbohydrates.”
4. “The stomach secretes sulfuric acid.”

Answer 24

2. “The stomach turns food into liquid so it can be digested.”

Question 25

SATA:
The nurse is preparing to conduct a physical assessment of a patient with obesity. What
equipment should the nurse have available for this assessment? Select all that apply.
1. Scale
2. Skinfold calipers
3. Calculator
4. Glucose meter
5. Supplies for blood draw

Answer 25

1. Scale
2. Skinfold calipers
3. Calculator

Question 26

The nurse is reviewing data collected from a group of patients. Which patient has a normal
waist-to-hip ratio?
1. Female patient, waist 29 inches, hips 35 inches
2. Female patient, waist 29 inches, hips 36 inches
3. Male patient, waist 37 inches, hips 36 inches
4. Male patient, waist 40 inches, hips 41 inches

Answer 26

4. Male patient, waist 40 inches, hips 41 inches

Question 27

A patient whose diet consists of processed food from fast-food restaurants has painful
lesions at the corners of the mouth. How should the nurse document this finding?
1. Glossitis
2. Gingivitis
3. Cheilosis
4. Leukoplakia

Answer 27

3. Cheilosis

Question 28

The nurse is assessing a patient who uses chewing tobacco. Which data would be most
important for the nurse to obtain?
1. The patient denies shortness of breath.
2. The patient has no leukoplakia.
3. The patient has no glossitis.
4. The patient has no signs of candidiasis.

Answer 28

2. The patient has no leukoplakia.

Question 29

The nurse is preparing to assess a patient with a suspected abdominal mass. Which
technique should the nurse use for this assessment? Select all that apply.
1. Shine a light source across the abdomen.
2. Inspect by standing beside the patient.
3. Inspect from the patient’s right side.
4. Inspect for symmetry and visible peristalsis.
5. Ask the patient to deep-breathe and inspect.

Answer 29

1. Shine a light source across the abdomen.
2. Inspect from the patient’s right side.
3. Inspect for symmetry and visible peristalsis.
4. Ask the patient to deep-breathe and inspect.

Question 30

The nurse is preparing to percuss the abdomen of a patient. Which information indicates
that the nurse might need assistance with this assessment?
1. The nurse plans to use a systematic approach for the assessment.
2. The nurse anticipates hearing tympany over stool-filled intestines.
3. The nurse anticipates hearing dullness over the liver.
4. The nurse plans to percuss the spleen, liver, and kidneys.

Answer 30

2. The nurse anticipates hearing tympany over stool-filled intestines.

Question 31

The nurse is reviewing data within a patient’s health history. Which factor in the history
should the nurse recognize as related to the development of familial adenomatous polyposis?
1. The patient eats a diet high in red meat.
2. The patient has never had the recommended screening colonoscopy.
3. The patient’s grandfather died of colon cancer.
4. The patient had a basal cell skin cancer removed 2 year ago.

Answer 31

3. The patient’s grandfather died of colon cancer.

Question 31

The nurse is conducting an educational session for patients who have a diagnosis of Crohn
disease. Fifty patients with the disorder are in attendance. Statistically, how many of these
patients have a form of Crohn disease that is familial in origin? Record your answer rounding to
the nearest whole number.

Answer 31

10
Statistically, 20% of patients with Crohn disease have a familial form of the
disorder. 50 × 20% = 10 participants.

Question 32

The nurse is instructing a patient newly diagnosed with celiac disease. For which food
choices should the nurse provide follow-up teaching?
1. Spinach salad and corn
2. Beefsteak and green beans
3. Whole-wheat toast and baked chicken
4. Apple slices and tuna salad

Answer 32

3. Whole-wheat toast and baked chicken

Question 33

A patient of Jewish heritage is experiencing body aches and fatigue. The nurse notes that
the patient’s skin appears pale and yellow-tinged. What nutritional health problem should the
nurse suspect is occurring in this patient?
1. Tangier disease
2. Hypercholesterolemia
3. Gaucher disease
4. Lynch Syndrome

Answer 33

3. Gaucher disease

Question 34

SATA:
The nurse notes that a patient’s stool specimen is watery and diarrhea-like. Which health
problem should the nurse suspect is occurring in this patient? Select all that apply.
1. Malabsorption
2. Antibiotic reaction
3. Lactose intolerance
4. Irritable bowel syndrome
5. Ingestion of spoiled food

Answer 34

1. Malabsorption
2. Lactose intolerance
3. Irritable bowel syndrome
4. Ingestion of spoiled food

Question 35

SATA:
The nurse is caring for a patient with liver disease. What nutritional issue should the nurse
expect this patient to exhibit? Select all that apply.
1. Alteration in fat metabolism
2. Increase in glucose utilization
3. Reduction in fat-soluble vitamins
4. Lower amount of bile being stored
5. Change in production of red blood cells

Answer 35

1. Alteration in fat metabolism
2. Reduction in fat-soluble vitamins
3. Change in production of red blood cells

Question 36

SATA:
A patient is being evaluated for liver disease. Which laboratory tests should the nurse
expect to be prescribed for this patient? Select all that apply.
1. Serum sodium
2. Serum potassium
3. Alkaline phosphatase
4. Alanine aminotransferase
5. Aspartate aminotransferase

Answer 36

1. Serum sodium

Question 37

SATA:
A middle-aged patient with minimal health problems asks what can be done to prevent
gaining weight with aging. What should the nurse instruct this patient? Select all that apply.
1. Drink adequate fluids.
2. Avoid processed foods.
3. Avoid foods high in fat.
4. Maintain the same amount of caloric intake.
5. Eat a well-balanced diet with fruit and vegetables.