DIGESTION AND GASTROINTESTINAL SYSTEM
PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, ASSESSMENT,
AND NURSING MANAGEMENT OF DIGESTIVE
DISORDERS
NSG 210 / MED-SURG |Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)|Clinical Nursing
Assessment
NCLEX-Style Practice Examination 2025/2026
Which of the following is an enzyme secreted by the gastric mucosa?
a) Pepsin
b) Trypsin
c) Bile
d) Ptyalin
Pepsin
Explanation: Pepsin is secreted by the gastric mucosa. Trypsin is secreted by the pancreas. The
salivary glands secrete ptyalin. The liver and gallbladder secrete bile.
When assisting with preparing a client scheduled for a barium swallow, which of the following
would be appropriate to include?
1|Page
,a) Take three cleansing enemas before the procedure.
b) Take vitamin K before the procedure.
c) Avoid the intake of red meat before the procedure.
d) Avoid smoking for at least a day before the procedure.
Avoid smoking for at least a day before the procedure.
Explanation: The nurse should instruct the client to avoid smoking for at least a day before the
procedure of barium swallow because smoking stimulates gastric motility. The client is advised
to take vitamin K before a liver biopsy and instructed to take three cleansing enemas before a
barium enema. Instruction to avoid red meat would be appropriate for a client who is having a
Hemoccult test.
Which of the following is the primary function of the small intestine?
a) Secretion
b) Peristalsis
c) Absorption
d) Digestion
Absorption
Explanation: Absorption is the primary function of the small intestine. Digestion occurs in the
stomach. Peristalsis occurs in the colon. The duodenum secretes enzymes.
A 24-year-old athlete is admitted to the trauma unit following a motor-vehicle collision. The
client is comatose and has developed ascites as a result of the accident. You are explaining the
2|Page
, client's condition to his parents. In your education, what do you indicate is the primary function
of the small intestine?
a) Digest fats
b) Digest proteins
c) Absorb water
d) Absorb nutrients
Absorb nutrients
Explanation: The primary function of the small intestine is to absorb nutrients from the chyme.
A home care nurse is caring for a client with complaints of epigastric discomfort who is
scheduled for a barium swallow. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of
the test?
a) "I'll avoid eating or drinking anything 6 to 8 hours before the test."
b) "I'll drink full liquids the day before the test."
c) "I'll take a laxative to clear my bowels before the test."
d) "There is no need for special preparation before the test."
"I'll avoid eating or drinking anything 6 to 8 hours before the test."
Explanation: The client demonstrates understanding of a barium swallow when he states that
he must refrain from eating or drinking for 6 to 8 hours before the test. No other preparation is
needed. Before a lower GI series, the client should eat a low-residue or clear liquid diet for 2
days and take a potent laxative and an oral liquid preparation.
3|Page
PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY, ASSESSMENT,
AND NURSING MANAGEMENT OF DIGESTIVE
DISORDERS
NSG 210 / MED-SURG |Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)|Clinical Nursing
Assessment
NCLEX-Style Practice Examination 2025/2026
Which of the following is an enzyme secreted by the gastric mucosa?
a) Pepsin
b) Trypsin
c) Bile
d) Ptyalin
Pepsin
Explanation: Pepsin is secreted by the gastric mucosa. Trypsin is secreted by the pancreas. The
salivary glands secrete ptyalin. The liver and gallbladder secrete bile.
When assisting with preparing a client scheduled for a barium swallow, which of the following
would be appropriate to include?
1|Page
,a) Take three cleansing enemas before the procedure.
b) Take vitamin K before the procedure.
c) Avoid the intake of red meat before the procedure.
d) Avoid smoking for at least a day before the procedure.
Avoid smoking for at least a day before the procedure.
Explanation: The nurse should instruct the client to avoid smoking for at least a day before the
procedure of barium swallow because smoking stimulates gastric motility. The client is advised
to take vitamin K before a liver biopsy and instructed to take three cleansing enemas before a
barium enema. Instruction to avoid red meat would be appropriate for a client who is having a
Hemoccult test.
Which of the following is the primary function of the small intestine?
a) Secretion
b) Peristalsis
c) Absorption
d) Digestion
Absorption
Explanation: Absorption is the primary function of the small intestine. Digestion occurs in the
stomach. Peristalsis occurs in the colon. The duodenum secretes enzymes.
A 24-year-old athlete is admitted to the trauma unit following a motor-vehicle collision. The
client is comatose and has developed ascites as a result of the accident. You are explaining the
2|Page
, client's condition to his parents. In your education, what do you indicate is the primary function
of the small intestine?
a) Digest fats
b) Digest proteins
c) Absorb water
d) Absorb nutrients
Absorb nutrients
Explanation: The primary function of the small intestine is to absorb nutrients from the chyme.
A home care nurse is caring for a client with complaints of epigastric discomfort who is
scheduled for a barium swallow. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of
the test?
a) "I'll avoid eating or drinking anything 6 to 8 hours before the test."
b) "I'll drink full liquids the day before the test."
c) "I'll take a laxative to clear my bowels before the test."
d) "There is no need for special preparation before the test."
"I'll avoid eating or drinking anything 6 to 8 hours before the test."
Explanation: The client demonstrates understanding of a barium swallow when he states that
he must refrain from eating or drinking for 6 to 8 hours before the test. No other preparation is
needed. Before a lower GI series, the client should eat a low-residue or clear liquid diet for 2
days and take a potent laxative and an oral liquid preparation.
3|Page
