Gastrointestinal system

1. Which of the following is a function of the gastrointestinal (GI) system? A. Hormone regulation B. Nutrient absorption C. Oxygen transport D. Blood filtration Answer: B. Nutrient absorption Rationale: The primary function of the GI system is to break down food and absorb nutrients. Hormone regulation and oxygen transport are functions of other systems (endocrine and circulatory, respectively). ________________________________________ 2. Which organ is primarily responsible for the absorption of water and electrolytes? A. Stomach B. Small intestine C. Large intestine D. Pancreas Answer: C. Large intestine Rationale: The large intestine is responsible for absorbing water and electrolytes from indigestible food matter. ________________________________________ 3. A nurse is assessing a patient with upper GI bleeding. Which of the following symptoms would the nurse expect to find? A. Hematochezia B. Melena C. Abdominal distention D. Dysphagia Answer: B. Melena Rationale: Melena refers to black, tarry stools that indicate upper GI bleeding, while hematochezia refers to bright red blood in stools, typically from lower GI bleeding. ________________________________________ 4. What is the primary function of the liver? A. Produce bile B. Absorb nutrients C. Store food D. Secrete insulin Answer: A. Produce bile Rationale: The liver produces bile, which is important for the digestion of fats. It also has roles in metabolism and detoxification. ________________________________________ 5. A patient presents with jaundice. Which lab finding would most likely confirm the diagnosis? A. Elevated bilirubin levels B. Decreased albumin levels C. Increased alkaline phosphatase D. Elevated white blood cell count Answer: A. Elevated bilirubin levels Rationale: Jaundice is characterized by elevated bilirubin levels due to increased breakdown of red blood cells or liver dysfunction. ________________________________________ 6. Which of the following interventions should a nurse implement for a patient diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)? A. Encourage eating large meals before bed B. Advise the patient to wear tight clothing C. Recommend elevating the head of the bed D. Suggest lying down after meals Answer: C. Recommend elevating the head of the bed Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed can help reduce the symptoms of GERD by preventing acid reflux. ________________________________________ 7. A patient with a history of ulcerative colitis is at risk for which of the following complications? A. Pancreatitis B. Colon cancer C. Peptic ulcers D. Liver cirrhosis Answer: B. Colon cancer Rationale: Patients with long-standing ulcerative colitis have an increased risk of developing colon cancer. ________________________________________ 8. Which dietary modification is most appropriate for a patient with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? A. High-fat diet B. Low-fiber diet C. Increased fluid intake D. Increased sugar intake Answer: C. Increased fluid intake Rationale: Increased fluid intake can help manage IBS symptoms, particularly if fiber is also increased. ________________________________________ 9. In patients with liver cirrhosis, which of the following lab values is expected to be elevated? A. Serum albumin B. Serum bilirubin C. Prothrombin time D. Hemoglobin Answer: B. Serum bilirubin Rationale: In liver cirrhosis, bilirubin levels rise due to impaired hepatic function. ________________________________________ 10. Which of the following signs is associated with appendicitis? A. McBurney’s point tenderness B. Murphy’s sign C. Grey Turner's sign D. Kehr's sign Answer: A. McBurney’s point tenderness Rationale: McBurney’s point tenderness is a classic sign of appendicitis, located in the right lower quadrant.