Questions on Gastrointestinal Tract Related

Review Questions on Gastrointestinal Tract related questions and content

Priority Decision: During the treatment of the patient with bleeding esophageal varices, what is the most important thing the nurse should do?

  • A. Prepare the patient for immediate portal shunting surgery.
  • B. Perform guaiac testing on all stools to detect occult blood.
  • C. Maintain the patient's airway and prevent aspiration of blood.
  • D. Monitor for the cardiac effects of IV vasopressin and nitroglycerin.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C because maintaining the patient's airway and preventing aspiration of blood is the top priority in a patient with bleeding esophageal varices. This is crucial to prevent respiratory compromise and potential life-threatening complications. Immediate portal shunting surgery (A) is not the priority as stabilizing the patient comes first. Guaiac testing (B) is not the priority as it does not address the immediate risk of airway obstruction. Monitoring cardiac effects (D) is important but not as critical as ensuring the patient's airway is secure.