Lower GI Questions With All Correct Answers
You're caring for a patient with a sigmoid colostomy. The stool from this
colostomy is:
a. Formed
b. Semisolid
c. Semiliquid
d. Watery correct answer -Answer A
A colostomy in the sigmoid colon produces a solid, formed stool.
You're advising a 21 y.o. with a colostomy who reports problems with flatus.
What food should you recommend?
a. Peas
b. Cabbage
c. Broccoli
d. Yogurt correct answer -Answer D
High-fiber foods stimulate peristalsis, and a result, flatus. Yogurt reduces gas
formation.
You're doing preoperative teaching with Gertrude who has ulcerative colitis
who needs surgery to create an ileoanal reservoir. Which information do you
include?
a. A reservoir is created that exits through the abdominal wall.
b. A second surgery is required 12 months after the first surgery.
c. A permanent ileostomy is created.
d. The surgery occurs in two stages. correct answer -Answer D
An ileoanal reservoir is created in two stages. The two surgeries are about 2 to
3 months apart. First, diseased intestines are removed and a temporary loop
ileostomy is created. Second, the loop ileostomy is closed and stool goes to the
reservoir and out through the anus.
,You're caring for Lewis, a 67 y.o. patient with liver cirrhosis who develops
ascites and requires paracentesis. Relief of which symptom indicated that the
paracentesis was effective?
a. Pruritus
b. Dyspnea
c. Jaundice
d. Peripheral Neuropathy correct answer -Answer B
Ascites puts pressure on the diaphragm. Paracentesis is done to remove fluid
and reducing pressure on the diaphragm. The goal is to improve the patient's
breathing. The others are signs of cirrhosis that aren't relieved by
paracentesis.
You're caring for Betty with liver cirrhosis. Which of the following assessment
findings leads you to suspect hepatic encephalopathy in her?
a. Asterixis
b. Chvostek's sign
c. Trousseau's sign
d. Hepatojugular reflex correct answer -Answer A
Asterixis is an early neurologic sign of hepatic encephalopathy elicited by
asking the patient to hold her arms stretched out. Asterixis is present if the
hands rapidly extend and flex.
Britney, a 20 y.o. student is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which
laboratory findings do you expect to be abnormal for this patient?
a. Serum creatinine and BUN
b. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
c. Serum amylase and lipase
d. Cardiac enzymes correct answer -Answer C
Pancreatitis involves activation of pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase and
lipase. These levels are elevated in a patient with acute pancreatitis.
, A patient with Crohn's disease is admitted after 4 days of diarrhea. Which of
the following urine specific gravity values do you expect to find in this
patient?
a. 1.005
b. 1.011
c. 1.020
d. 1.030 correct answer -Answer D
The normal range of specific gravity of urine is 1.010 to 1.025; a value of 1.030
may be seen with dehydration.
Jason, a 22 y.o. accident victim, requires an NG tube for feeding. What should
you immediately do after inserting an NG tube for liquid enteral feedings?
a. Aspirate for gastric secretions with a syringe.
b. Begin feeding slowly to prevent cramping.
c. Get an X-ray of the tip of the tube within 24 hours.
d. Clamp off the tube until the feedings begin. correct answer -Answer A
Aspirating the stomach contents confirms correct placement. If an X-ray is
ordered, it should be done immediately, not in 24 hours.
Jerod is experiencing an acute episode of ulcerative colitis. Which is priority
for this patient?
a. Replace lost fluid and sodium.
b. Monitor for increased serum glucose level from steroid therapy.
c. Restrict the dietary intake of foods high in potassium.
d. Note any change in the color and consistency of stools. correct answer -
Answer A
Diarrhea r/t an acute episode of ulcerative colitis leads to fluid & electrolyte
losses so fluid replacement takes priority.
A 29 y.o. patient has an acute episode of ulcerative colitis. What diagnostic test
confirms this diagnosis?
a. Barium Swallow.
You're caring for a patient with a sigmoid colostomy. The stool from this
colostomy is:
a. Formed
b. Semisolid
c. Semiliquid
d. Watery correct answer -Answer A
A colostomy in the sigmoid colon produces a solid, formed stool.
You're advising a 21 y.o. with a colostomy who reports problems with flatus.
What food should you recommend?
a. Peas
b. Cabbage
c. Broccoli
d. Yogurt correct answer -Answer D
High-fiber foods stimulate peristalsis, and a result, flatus. Yogurt reduces gas
formation.
You're doing preoperative teaching with Gertrude who has ulcerative colitis
who needs surgery to create an ileoanal reservoir. Which information do you
include?
a. A reservoir is created that exits through the abdominal wall.
b. A second surgery is required 12 months after the first surgery.
c. A permanent ileostomy is created.
d. The surgery occurs in two stages. correct answer -Answer D
An ileoanal reservoir is created in two stages. The two surgeries are about 2 to
3 months apart. First, diseased intestines are removed and a temporary loop
ileostomy is created. Second, the loop ileostomy is closed and stool goes to the
reservoir and out through the anus.
,You're caring for Lewis, a 67 y.o. patient with liver cirrhosis who develops
ascites and requires paracentesis. Relief of which symptom indicated that the
paracentesis was effective?
a. Pruritus
b. Dyspnea
c. Jaundice
d. Peripheral Neuropathy correct answer -Answer B
Ascites puts pressure on the diaphragm. Paracentesis is done to remove fluid
and reducing pressure on the diaphragm. The goal is to improve the patient's
breathing. The others are signs of cirrhosis that aren't relieved by
paracentesis.
You're caring for Betty with liver cirrhosis. Which of the following assessment
findings leads you to suspect hepatic encephalopathy in her?
a. Asterixis
b. Chvostek's sign
c. Trousseau's sign
d. Hepatojugular reflex correct answer -Answer A
Asterixis is an early neurologic sign of hepatic encephalopathy elicited by
asking the patient to hold her arms stretched out. Asterixis is present if the
hands rapidly extend and flex.
Britney, a 20 y.o. student is admitted with acute pancreatitis. Which
laboratory findings do you expect to be abnormal for this patient?
a. Serum creatinine and BUN
b. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
c. Serum amylase and lipase
d. Cardiac enzymes correct answer -Answer C
Pancreatitis involves activation of pancreatic enzymes, such as amylase and
lipase. These levels are elevated in a patient with acute pancreatitis.
, A patient with Crohn's disease is admitted after 4 days of diarrhea. Which of
the following urine specific gravity values do you expect to find in this
patient?
a. 1.005
b. 1.011
c. 1.020
d. 1.030 correct answer -Answer D
The normal range of specific gravity of urine is 1.010 to 1.025; a value of 1.030
may be seen with dehydration.
Jason, a 22 y.o. accident victim, requires an NG tube for feeding. What should
you immediately do after inserting an NG tube for liquid enteral feedings?
a. Aspirate for gastric secretions with a syringe.
b. Begin feeding slowly to prevent cramping.
c. Get an X-ray of the tip of the tube within 24 hours.
d. Clamp off the tube until the feedings begin. correct answer -Answer A
Aspirating the stomach contents confirms correct placement. If an X-ray is
ordered, it should be done immediately, not in 24 hours.
Jerod is experiencing an acute episode of ulcerative colitis. Which is priority
for this patient?
a. Replace lost fluid and sodium.
b. Monitor for increased serum glucose level from steroid therapy.
c. Restrict the dietary intake of foods high in potassium.
d. Note any change in the color and consistency of stools. correct answer -
Answer A
Diarrhea r/t an acute episode of ulcerative colitis leads to fluid & electrolyte
losses so fluid replacement takes priority.
A 29 y.o. patient has an acute episode of ulcerative colitis. What diagnostic test
confirms this diagnosis?
a. Barium Swallow.
