GASTROINTESTINAL , HEPATOBILIARY &
PANCREATIC SYSTEMS FUNCTION,
ASSESSMENT & THERAPEUTIC
MEASURES EXAM
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS (GRADED A+)
LATEST VERSION
, Chapter 32. Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary, and Pancreatic Systems Function, Assessment,
and Therapeutic Measures
Multiple Choice
Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question.
____ 1. The nurse is inspecting a patient’s oral cavity and notices reddened areas on the gums, several
teeth with cavities, and multiple loose teeth. Which finding is of greatest safety concern to the
nurse?
1. Reddened area on the gums can be a source of infection.
2. Dental cavities can be painful and a possible source of infection.
3. Loose teeth concern due to possible aspiration and airway blockage.
4. Abnormal findings in the oral cavity can lead to poor nutrition status.
____ 2. The nurse is providing care for a patient whose nasogastric (NG) tube is attached to low
intermittent suction for decompression of a bowel obstruction. The nurse notes the NG tube is
not draining. After checking placement, which action should the nurse take?
1. Advance the NG tube 2 inches.
2. Change the suction setting to high.
3. Reinsert the NG tube into the other nares.
4. Irrigate the NG tube with 30 milliliters of normal saline.
____ 3. During the inspection of a patient’s abdomen, which data finding is most unlikely indicative of a
serious disorder?
1. Jaundice
2. Caput medusae
3. Visible mound
4. Silver-colored lines
____ 4. The nurse is auscultating the bowel sounds of a patient who is severely constipated and
exhibits a swollen abdomen and pain. Which bowel sounds cause the nurse to suspect a bowel
obstruction?
1. A series of soft clicks and gurgles
2. A complete absence of sounds
3. A high-pitched tinkling sound
4. A variety of nearly constant sounds
____ 5. The nurse is providing care for a patient who has just undergone a needle biopsy to rule out
liver disease. Which nursing intervention is most critical following the procedure?
1. Monitor vital signs every 4 hours.
2. Instruct to avoid coughing or straining.
3. Remain positioned on right side for 2 hours.
4. Medicate as needed for pain.
____ 6. A patient is being prepared for an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series involving a barium swallow.
Which statement indicates that the patient understands the preparation for this test?
1. “I should eat a soft diet the night before the procedure.”
2. “I must not eat or drink for 4 hours after the procedure.”
3. “I’ll be given a clear liquid diet the night after the procedure.”
4. “I can’t have anything to eat or drink for 6 hours before the procedure.”