Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is performing an abdominal assessment of an older adult patient. When collecting and analyzing data, the nurse should be cognizant of what age-related change in gastrointestinal structure and function?
A. Increased gastric motility
In older adults, gastric motility tends to decrease rather than increase.
B. Increased gag reflex
The gag reflex may diminish with age, making older adults more prone to swallowing difficulties.
C. Decreased mucus secretion
This statement is correct. With aging, there is a decrease in mucus secretion in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to dryness and potential discomfort.
D. Decreased gastric pH
Gastric pH tends to increase with age, which can affect the digestion and absorption of certain nutrients.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - ATI Med Surg Proctored Exam 6. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
In older adults, gastric motility tends to decrease rather than increase.
Choice B reason:
The gag reflex may diminish with age, making older adults more prone to swallowing difficulties.
Choice C reason:
This statement is correct. With aging, there is a decrease in mucus secretion in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to dryness and potential discomfort.
Choice D reason:
Gastric pH tends to increase with age, which can affect the digestion and absorption of certain nutrients.
Similar Questions
The physician has ordered Ceclor 0.5 g to be administered orally now. Below you will see the medication label for this medication.
How many milliliters of this medication will this patient receive?
Full Explanation
- Read the medication label carefully and check the dosage and concentration of Ceclor.
- The label shows that Ceclor is available as a suspension with 250 mg/5 mL.
- To calculate the volume of medication needed, use the formula: Volume = Dose / Concentration
- Plug in the values from the order and the label: Volume = 0.5 g / (250 mg/5 mL)
- Convert grams to milligrams by multiplying by 1000: Volume = 500 mg / (250 mg/5 mL)
- Simplify the fraction by dividing both numerator and denominator by 250: Volume = 2 / (1/5)
- Invert and multiply the fractions: Volume = 2 x 5
- Solve for volume: Volume = 10 mL
- The patient will receive 10 mL of Ceclor suspension.
An adult patient has been diagnosed with diverticular disease after ongoing challenges with constipation. The patient will be treated on an outpatient basis. What components of treatment should the nurse anticipate? Select all that apply.
A. Anticholinergic medications
Anticholinergic medications: These are not a component of treatment for diverticular disease. Anticholinergic medications can reduce intestinal motility and cause dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention, which can aggravate the diverticula and increase the risk of complications. The patient should avoid these medications unless prescribed by a doctor for another condition.
B. Increased fiber intake
Increasing fiber intake is a common component of treatment for diverticular disease as it can help prevent constipation and reduce the risk of diverticulitis.
C. Reduced fat intake
Reducing fat intake is also important in the treatment of diverticular disease, as a low-fat diet can help prevent further irritation of the colon.
D. Fluid reduction
This is not a component of treatment for diverticular disease. On the contrary, adequate fluid intake is essential to prevent dehydration and constipation, which can worsen the condition. The patient should drink at least eight glasses of water per day or more if they have a high-fiber diet.
E. Enemas on alternating days
These are not a component of treatment for diverticular disease. Enemas can irritate the colon and increase the pressure in the diverticula, which can lead to perforation or bleeding. The patient should avoid enemas unless instructed by a doctor for a specific reason.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
Anticholinergic medications: These are not a component of treatment for diverticular disease. Anticholinergic medications can reduce intestinal motility and cause dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention, which can aggravate the diverticula and increase the risk of complications. The patient should avoid these medications unless prescribed by a doctor for another condition.
Choice B reason:
Increasing fiber intake is a common component of treatment for diverticular disease as it can help prevent constipation and reduce the risk of diverticulitis.
Choice C reason:
Reducing fat intake is also important in the treatment of diverticular disease, as a low-fat diet can help prevent further irritation of the colon.
Choice D reason:
This is not a component of treatment for diverticular disease. On the contrary, adequate fluid intake is essential to prevent dehydration and constipation, which can worsen the condition. The patient should drink at least eight glasses of water per day or more if they have a high-fiber diet.
Choice E reason:
These are not a component of treatment for diverticular disease. Enemas can irritate the colon and increase the pressure in the diverticula, which can lead to perforation or bleeding. The patient should avoid enemas unless instructed by a doctor for a specific reason.
A nurse is assessing a client who has peptic ulcer disease. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as the priority?
A. Diarrhea
While diarrhea can be a symptom of peptic ulcer disease, it is not typically considered a priority over more severe symptoms.
B. Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia (indigestion) is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease, but it is not the priority over more concerning symptoms.
C. Epigastric discomfort
Epigastric discomfort is a symptom of peptic ulcer disease, but it is not the priority over more severe symptoms like hematemesis.
D. Hematemesis
Hematemesis (vomiting blood) is a serious and potentially life-threatening symptom of peptic ulcer disease. It is the top priority for assessment and intervention.
Full Explanation
Choice A reason:
While diarrhea can be a symptom of peptic ulcer disease, it is not typically considered a priority over more severe symptoms.
Choice B reason:
Dyspepsia (indigestion) is a common symptom of peptic ulcer disease, but it is not the priority over more concerning symptoms.
Choice C reason:
Epigastric discomfort is a symptom of peptic ulcer disease, but it is not the priority over more severe symptoms like hematemesis.
Choice D reason:
Hematemesis (vomiting blood) is a serious and potentially life-threatening symptom of peptic ulcer disease. It is the top priority for assessment and intervention.
