A nurse is caring for a patient admitted with a suspected malabsorption disorder. The nurse knows that one of the accessory organs of the digestive system is the pancreas. What digestive enzymes does the pancreas secrete?
- A. Pepsin
- B. Lipase
- C. Amylase
- D. Trypsin
- E. Ptyalin
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: Digestive enzymes secreted by the pancreas include trypsin, which aids in digesting protein; amylase, which aids in digesting starch; and lipase, which aids in digesting fats. Pepsin is secreted by the stomach and ptyalin is secreted in the saliva.
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A patient has sought care because of recent dark-colored stools. As a result, a fecal occult blood test has been ordered. The nurse should instruct the patient to avoid which of the following prior to collecting a stool sample?
- A. NSAIDs
- B. Acetaminophen
- C. OTC vitamin D supplements
- D. Fiber supplements
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: NSAIDs can cause a false-positive fecal occult blood test. Acetaminophen, vitamin D supplements, and fiber supplements do not have this effect.
A patient has come to the outpatient radiology department for diagnostic testing. Which of the following diagnostic procedures will allow the care team to evaluate and remove polyps?
- A. Colonoscopy
- B. Barium enema
- C. ERCP
- D. Upper gastrointestinal fibroscopy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During colonoscopy, tissue biopsies can be obtained as needed, and polyps can be removed and evaluated. This is not possible during a barium enema, ERCP, or gastroscopy.
The nurse educator is reviewing the blood supply of the GI tract with a group of medical nurses. The nurse is explaining the fact that the veins that return blood from the digestive organs and the spleen form the portal venous system. What large veins will the nurse list when describing this system?
- A. Splenic vein
- B. Inferior mesenteric vein
- C. Gastric vein
- D. Inferior vena cava
- E. Saphenous vein
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: This portal venous system is composed of five large veins: the superior mesenteric, inferior mesenteric, gastric, splenic, and cystic veins, which eventually form the vena portac that enters the liver. The inferior vena cava is not part of the portal system. The saphenous vein is located in the leg.
A nurse is caring for a patient who is scheduled for a colonoscopy and whose bowel preparation will include polyethylene glycol electrolyte lavage prior to the procedure. The presence of what health problem would contraindicate the use of this form of bowel preparation?
- A. Inflammatory bowel disease
- B. Intestinal polyps
- C. Diverticulitis
- D. Colon cancer
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The use of a lavage solution is contraindicated in patients with intestinal obstruction or inflammatory bowel disease. It can safely be used with patients who have polyps, colon cancer, or diverticulitis.
A nurse is performing an abdominal assessment of an older adult patient. When collecting and analyzing data, the nurse should be cognizant of what age-related change in gastrointestinal structure and function?
- A. Increased gastric motility
- B. Decreased gastric pH
- C. Increased gag reflex
- D. Decreased mucus secretion
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Older adults tend to secrete less mucus than younger adults. Gastric motility slows with age and gastric pH rises due to decreased secretion of gastric acids. Older adults tend to have a blunted gag reflex compared to younger adults.
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