Gastrointestinal Practice Questions

Gastrointestinal Practice Questions Related

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You take a deep breath; you raise your larynx and hyoid bone; your epiglottis closes off the larynx; the soft palate closes off the nasopharynx; the diaphragm and abdominal muscles contract and the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes. What has just happened?

  • A. Low blood glucose levels caused these hunger pangs.
  • B. Irritation in the GI tract caused the vomiting reflex.
  • C. Bolus has entered the larynx and stimulated the gagging reflex.
  • D. Bolus has entered the oropharynx, which initiated the swallowing reflex.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the described sequence of events matches the process of swallowing. Raising the larynx and hyoid bone helps to protect the airway, closing the epiglottis prevents food from entering the trachea, closing the soft palate blocks the nasopharynx to prevent food from entering the nasal cavity, and the contraction of the diaphragm and abdominal muscles along with relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter facilitate the movement of food into the esophagus. This series of actions is characteristic of the swallowing reflex.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Low blood glucose levels do not directly trigger the swallowing reflex. Irritation in the GI tract would not lead to the described sequence of events. Bolus entering the larynx or nasopharynx would not be part of the normal swallowing process and would typically trigger the gagging reflex instead.

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Patients with a paralytic ileus typically have:

  • A. Intravenous fluid replacement and a nasogastric tube connected to suction.
  • B. Surgical correction of the problem.
  • C. Endoscopic injection of botulinum toxin or esophageal dilation.
  • D. Endoscopy to allow biopsy followed with broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Paralytic ileus is typically managed with intravenous fluids to correct electrolyte imbalances and a nasogastric tube to decompress the bowel.

How will an obstruction at the ampulla of Vater affect the digestion of all nutrients?

  • A. Bile is responsible for emulsification of all nutrients and vitamins.
  • B. Intestinal digestive enzymes are released through the ampulla of Vater.
  • C. Both bile and pancreatic enzymes enter the duodenum at the ampulla of Vater.
  • D. Gastric contents can only pass to the duodenum when the ampulla of Vater is open.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The ampulla of Vater is the entry point for both bile and pancreatic enzymes essential for digesting all nutrients.

To prevent gastroesophageal reflux in a male client with a hiatal hernia, the nurse should provide which of the following discharge instructions?

  • A. "Lie down after meals to promote digestion."
  • B. "Avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages."
  • C. "Take antacids with meals."
  • D. "Limit fluid intake with meals."
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: "Avoid coffee and alcoholic beverages." This is because both coffee and alcohol can relax the lower esophageal sphincter, leading to increased likelihood of gastroesophageal reflux.

A: "Lie down after meals" can worsen reflux symptoms as gravity helps keep stomach contents down.
C: "Take antacids with meals" may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying cause of reflux.
D: "Limit fluid intake with meals" can help reduce bloating but has no direct impact on preventing reflux.

Which of the following statements about fat and fat digestion/absorption is true?

  • A. Fat soluble vitamins are incorporated into mixed micelles and absorbed directly across the microvillus cell membrane
  • B. Triglycerides are resynthesized from fatty acids and monoglyceride in the intestinal epithelial cell and are exported directly into the portal circulation
  • C. Pancreatic lipase functions best at a pH of 3
  • D. None of the above
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because none of the statements are true. A is incorrect because fat-soluble vitamins are incorporated into chylomicrons before absorption. B is incorrect because triglycerides are resynthesized in the intestinal cell but packaged into chylomicrons, not directly exported. C is incorrect because pancreatic lipase functions best at a pH of around 7-8, not 3. So, the correct answer is D as all the other choices are incorrect.

Which of the following cell(s) produce a compound that insulates nerve axons and greatly increases the speed of transmission (conductance)?

  • A. node of Ranvier
  • B. Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes
  • C. any neuron
  • D. astrocytes and ependymal cells
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes. Schwann cells produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system, while oligodendrocytes produce myelin in the central nervous system. Myelin insulates nerve axons, allowing for saltatory conduction, greatly increasing the speed of transmission. Nodes of Ranvier are gaps in the myelin sheath where action potentials are regenerated, not where myelin is produced. Neurons themselves do not produce myelin. Astrocytes and ependymal cells have supportive roles in the nervous system but do not produce myelin.

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