Gastrointestinal System Level 1 & 2 Questions and Answers 100% Correct
A client develops peritonitis and sepsis after the surgical repair of a ruptured diverticulum. What signs
should the nurse expect when assessing the client? Select all that apply. correct answer Correct1
Fever
Correct2
Tachypnea
3
Hypertension
Correct4
Abdominal rigidity
5
Increased bowel sounds
The metabolic rate will be increased, and the temperature-regulating center in the hypothalamus resets
to a higher than usual body temperature because of the influence of pyrogenic substances related to the
peritonitis. Tachypnea results as the metabolic rate increases and the body attempts to meet cellular
oxygen needs. With increased intraabdominal pressure, the abdominal wall will become rigid and tender.
Hypovolemia and therefore hypotension, not hypertension, results because of a loss of fluid,
electrolytes, and protein into the peritoneal cavity. Peristalsis and associated bowel sounds will decrease
or be absent in the presence of increased intraabdominal pressure.
A client has a colon resection with an anastomosis. What assessments by the nurse support a suspicion
of impending shock? Select all that apply. correct answer Correct1
Oliguria
2
Lethargy
Correct3
Irritability
Correct4
Hypotension
Incorrect5
Slurred speech
, Decreased blood flow to the kidneys leads to oliguria or anuria. Irritability, along with restlessness and
anxiety, occurs because of a decrease in oxygen to the brain. Hypotension and a narrowing of the pulse
pressure occur because of declining blood volume. Restlessness, not lethargy, usually occurs because of
decreased cerebral blood flow. There are various changes in sensorium, but slurred speech is not a
manifestation of shock.
A client has an adenocarcinoma of the colon. It is suspected that the cancer has metastasized, and a liver
computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast medium has been prescribed. What would be appropriate
for the nurse to include in the client's instructions? correct answer 1
After the procedure, the client will be on bed rest for six hours to prevent complications.
2
During the procedure, the client will experience some discomfort, but an analgesic will be prescribed.
3
During the procedure, the client will receive light sedation, and the client may be able to hear people
talking.
Correct4
Before the procedure, the client will be given an intravenous (IV) infusion, and the client must lie as still
as possible for a period of time.
Stating that the client will be given an IV infusion containing a contrast medium before the procedure
and must lie as still as possible for a period of time is an accurate explanation of what the client can
expect during the CT scan. It is not necessary to rest in bed for six hours. The procedure causes no
physical pain, and an analgesic is not necessary. The client will be awake; neither sedation nor anesthesia
is used with a CT scan.
A client has symptoms associated with salmonellosis. Which data are most relevant for the nurse to
obtain from the client's history? correct answer 1
Any rectal cancer in the family
Correct2
All foods eaten in the past 24 hours
3
Any recent extreme emotional stress
4
An upper respiratory infection in the past 10 days
A client develops peritonitis and sepsis after the surgical repair of a ruptured diverticulum. What signs
should the nurse expect when assessing the client? Select all that apply. correct answer Correct1
Fever
Correct2
Tachypnea
3
Hypertension
Correct4
Abdominal rigidity
5
Increased bowel sounds
The metabolic rate will be increased, and the temperature-regulating center in the hypothalamus resets
to a higher than usual body temperature because of the influence of pyrogenic substances related to the
peritonitis. Tachypnea results as the metabolic rate increases and the body attempts to meet cellular
oxygen needs. With increased intraabdominal pressure, the abdominal wall will become rigid and tender.
Hypovolemia and therefore hypotension, not hypertension, results because of a loss of fluid,
electrolytes, and protein into the peritoneal cavity. Peristalsis and associated bowel sounds will decrease
or be absent in the presence of increased intraabdominal pressure.
A client has a colon resection with an anastomosis. What assessments by the nurse support a suspicion
of impending shock? Select all that apply. correct answer Correct1
Oliguria
2
Lethargy
Correct3
Irritability
Correct4
Hypotension
Incorrect5
Slurred speech
, Decreased blood flow to the kidneys leads to oliguria or anuria. Irritability, along with restlessness and
anxiety, occurs because of a decrease in oxygen to the brain. Hypotension and a narrowing of the pulse
pressure occur because of declining blood volume. Restlessness, not lethargy, usually occurs because of
decreased cerebral blood flow. There are various changes in sensorium, but slurred speech is not a
manifestation of shock.
A client has an adenocarcinoma of the colon. It is suspected that the cancer has metastasized, and a liver
computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast medium has been prescribed. What would be appropriate
for the nurse to include in the client's instructions? correct answer 1
After the procedure, the client will be on bed rest for six hours to prevent complications.
2
During the procedure, the client will experience some discomfort, but an analgesic will be prescribed.
3
During the procedure, the client will receive light sedation, and the client may be able to hear people
talking.
Correct4
Before the procedure, the client will be given an intravenous (IV) infusion, and the client must lie as still
as possible for a period of time.
Stating that the client will be given an IV infusion containing a contrast medium before the procedure
and must lie as still as possible for a period of time is an accurate explanation of what the client can
expect during the CT scan. It is not necessary to rest in bed for six hours. The procedure causes no
physical pain, and an analgesic is not necessary. The client will be awake; neither sedation nor anesthesia
is used with a CT scan.
A client has symptoms associated with salmonellosis. Which data are most relevant for the nurse to
obtain from the client's history? correct answer 1
Any rectal cancer in the family
Correct2
All foods eaten in the past 24 hours
3
Any recent extreme emotional stress
4
An upper respiratory infection in the past 10 days
