Chapter 15 The Gastrointestinal System Review Questions Related

Review Chapter 15 The Gastrointestinal System Review Questions related questions and content

A 68-yr-old male patient with a stroke is unconscious and unresponsive to stimuli. After learning that the patient has a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), what should the nurse plan to assess more frequently than is routine?

  • A. Apical pulse
  • B. Bowel sounds
  • C. Breath sounds
  • D. Abdominal girth
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Breath sounds. Given the patient's history of GERD, there is an increased risk of aspiration pneumonia due to the reflux of gastric contents into the lungs. Therefore, assessing breath sounds more frequently is crucial to monitor for signs of respiratory distress or pneumonia.

A: Apical pulse is important but not directly related to the patient's history of GERD.
B: Bowel sounds are relevant for assessing GI function but not specifically impacted by GERD.
D: Abdominal girth is more related to abdominal distension or organ enlargement rather than GERD complications.