Nursing Assessment: Gastrointestinal System

Question 1 of 5

The nurse is caring for a patient who has an obstruction of the common bile duct. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor in this patient?

A. Melena

B. Steatorrhea

C. Decreased serum cholesterol levels

D. Increased serum indirect bilirubin levels

Correct Answer:

Rationale:

Question 2 of 5

During change-of-shift report, the nurse receives the following information about a patient who is scheduled for a colonoscopy. Which information should be communicated to the health care provider before sending the patient for the procedure?

A. The patient has a permanent pacemaker to prevent bradycardia.

B. The patient is worried about discomfort during the examination.

C. The patient has had an allergic reaction to shellfish and iodine in the past.

D. The patient refused to drink the ordered polyethylene glycol.

Correct Answer:

Rationale:

Question 3 of 5

The nurse is obtaining a history from a patient who is admitted with jaundice. Which of the following statements is most indicative of a need for patient teaching?

A. I used cough syrup several times a day last week.

B. I take a baby Aspirin every day to prevent strokes.

C. I need to take an antacid for indigestion several times a week.

D. I use acetaminophen every 4 hours for persistent pain.

Correct Answer:

Rationale:

Question 4 of 5

The nurse is preparing to assess a patient's liver. When palpating the liver, which of the following techniques should the nurse implement?

A. Place one hand on the patient's back and press upward and inward with the other hand below the patient's right costal margin.

B. Place one hand on top of the other and use the upper fingers to apply pressure and the bottom fingers to feel for the liver edge.

C. Press slowly and firmly over the right costal margin with one hand and withdraw the fingers quickly after the liver edge is felt.

D. Place one hand under the patient's lower ribs and press the left lower rib cage forward, palpating below the costal margin with the other hand.

Correct Answer:

Rationale:

Question 5 of 5

The nurse is listening to a patient's abdomen. Which of the following findings indicate a need for a focused abdominal assessment?

A. Loud gurgles

B. High-pitched gurgles

C. Absent bowel sounds

D. Frequent clicking sounds

Correct Answer:

Rationale:

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