NCLEX Questions Gastrointestinal System Related

Review NCLEX Questions Gastrointestinal System related questions and content

The nurse is caring for multiple patients. The nurse determines that which patient has the highest risk for developing gallstones?

  • A. A 37-year-old white man of normal weight on long-term corticosteroids for asthm
  • B. A 42-year-old African American man of normal weight who has smoked for 25 years.
  • C. A 46-year-old Indonesian woman who is under normal weight and has recently had radiation treatments.
  • D. A 50-year-old obese Mexican American woman who has type 1 diabetes.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because obesity and type 1 diabetes are known risk factors for developing gallstones. Obesity leads to increased cholesterol production in the liver, which can contribute to gallstone formation. Type 1 diabetes can also increase the risk of gallstones due to impaired gallbladder function. Both factors combined in the 50-year-old obese Mexican American woman put her at the highest risk for developing gallstones.

Choice A is less likely as long-term corticosteroid use for asthma is not a major risk factor for gallstones. Choice B, smoking, is a risk factor but not as significant as obesity and diabetes in this context. Choice C, recent radiation treatment and being underweight, are not as strongly associated with gallstone formation compared to obesity and diabetes.