Question 1

Which manifestations should the nurse investigate as possibly being caused by peptic ulcer disease in an older client? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

C,D,E

Question 2

The nurse is concerned that an older patient is experiencing dysphagia. What assessment findings lead the nurse to this concern in this patient? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A,B,D,E

Question 3

An older patient is experiencing abdominal discomfort. What should the nurse do when examining this patient's abdominal area? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

Warming the hands helps prevent discomfort. Auscultating before palpation avoids altering bowel sounds. Observing for peristaltic waves can provide important information before palpation.

Question 4

An older patient is experiencing diarrhea and has recently been diagnosed with Clostridium difficile? This tends to occur in which type of patient?

Accepted Answer

Clostridium difficile infection often occurs in patients who have recently taken antibiotics, such as those who might have been treated for pneumonia.

Question 5

An older patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is prescribed ranitidine (Zantac). What should the nurse instruct as the mechanism of action of this medication?

Accepted Answer

Ranitidine (Zantac) is a histamine-2 (H2) blocker that works by decreasing the amount of acid produced by the stomach, thus helping to relieve symptoms of conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Question 6

What should the nurse teach an older patient about colorectal cancer?

Accepted Answer

Fecal occult blood testing is a common screening method for detecting colorectal cancer, especially in older adults.

Question 7

The nurse is caring for an older patient newly diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The nurse should explain to the client that this diagnosis occurs more frequently in older adults due to which normal aging change?

Accepted Answer

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs more frequently in older adults partly due to an increased incidence of hiatal hernia, a condition where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm muscle. This can weaken the lower esophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus more easily, contributing to the symptoms of GERD.

Question 8

An older client is newly diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease. What education should the nurse give them about this disease and heartburn issues?

Accepted Answer

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause severe chest pain that often mimics the symptoms of a heart attack, which is why it's important for patients to understand the nature of their symptoms. This knowledge can help them differentiate between GERD and potential cardiac issues, or at least prompt them to seek medical evaluation to distinguish between the two.

Question 9

Which patient is at most risk for liver cancer and needs education regarding liver cancer signs and symptoms? Select the best answer.

Accepted Answer

Clients with a history of hepatitis B infection are at a significantly higher risk for developing liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Hepatitis B can lead to chronic liver inflammation, which increases the risk of liver cancer.

Question 10

The nurse is assessing an older patient diagnosed with diverticulosis. What assessment findings are congruent with this diagnosis? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is assessing an older patient...

Question 11

An older patient is diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease. The nurse knows that this condition can be precipitated by? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A) Warfarin, as an anticoagulant, can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, which can exacerbate or contribute to the development of peptic ulcers. C) Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining and increase acid production, leading to peptic ulcers.

Question 12

The nurse is assisting an older patient with dysphagia to eat an evening meal. Which foods on the patient's tray can be safely eaten? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is assisting an older patient...

Question 13

Which interventions should the nurse use to reduce the risk of aspiration for an older patient with dysphagia? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which interventions should the nurse use to...

Question 14

A nurse is performing a gastrointestinal assessment on an older adult. What assessment finding would the nurse be concerned with?

Accepted Answer

The answer of A nurse is performing a gastrointestinal assessment...

Question 15

An older patient with a history of GERD has been directed to use over-the-counter medications to help manage symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux by buffering the gastric pH. What education should the nurse provide to the patient in regards to these types of medications?

Accepted Answer

The answer of An older patient with a history of...

Question 16

An older resident is complaining of being constipated. Which action should the nurse take first when caring for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Determining what the patient means by constipation is the first step in providing appropriate care. This initial assessment helps to clarify the patient's symptoms and concerns, ensuring that subsequent interventions are tailored to their specific needs.

Question 17

An older patient with diverticulitis is being discharged home following treatment. Which statement from the patient suggests to the nurse that they may need more educational information to prevent recurrence of diverticulitis and manage the disease?

Accepted Answer

The answer of An older patient with diverticulitis is being...

Question 18

The nurse is planning a teaching session regarding gastrointestinal ulcers for the residents of an assisted living complex. What content should the nurse include in the presentation?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse is planning a teaching session...

Question 19

An older patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease has complications caused by exposure of tissue to gastric acids. The patient is prescribed Tagamet to promote healing. What statement by the patient indicates they need further teaching by the nurse regarding taking this medication?

Accepted Answer

Tagamet (cimetidine) is an H2 blocker that reduces gastric acid secretion. It can cause drowsiness, but it does not cause impotence, confusion, or irritability.

Question 20

The nurse is educating a daughter on how to properly feed her older mother. Following education, which observation by the nurse, indicates that the daughter still needs additional instruction?

Accepted Answer

The correct practice is to keep the patient in an upright position for at least 30 minutes after eating to prevent aspiration, not just 15 minutes as stated in option D. This indicates the daughter needs more instruction on proper feeding techniques to ensure safety.

Quiz 20: The Gastrointestinal System