Prep Q&A (2025/2026 Update)
GI Tract is made up of what - correct answerThe mouth, pharynx, esophagus, stomach,
small and large intestines, rectum, and anus.
Accessory organs of the GI - correct answerThe liver, gallbladder, and pancreas
Functions of the upper GI - correct answerChewing, swallowing, and breaking down
food particles.
Risk factors for oral cancer - correct answerCigarette smoking, tobacco use, pipe
smoking, excessive alcohol use, infection with HPV, and genetic predisposition
Signs and symptoms of oral cancer - correct answerLesions on the tongue or mucosa,
sores or discoloration of the lips or mouth that don't heal
treatment of oral cancer - correct answerradiation, chemotherapy, surgery that may
require the creation of a tracheostomy
Nursing care of a patient with oral cancer - correct answerInvolves monitoring
respiratory status, nutritional support, and comfort measures
Esophageal cancer/ gastric cancer risk factors - correct answerSmoking, excessive
alcohol use
cause of esophageal cancer - correct answerBarrett esophagus
Barrett esophagus - correct answerPrecancerous condition due to longstanding GERD,
the constant irritation of the esophagus by stomach fluids can cause cells to become
malignant.
Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer - correct answerdysphagia, hoarseness,
persistent cough, halitosis, regurgitation of foods, and weight loss.
Treatment of esophageal cancer - correct answerEndoscopic therapies and surgeries.
Esophagectomy is less commonly done due to complication rate
respiratory acidosis - correct answerA drop in blood pH due to hypoventilation (too little
breathing) and a resulting accumulation of Co2.
respiratory alkalosis - correct answerArise in blood pH due to hyperventilation
(excessive breathing) and a resulting decrease in CO2.
,metabolic acidosis - correct answerdecreased pH in blood and body tissues as a result
of an upset in metabolism
metabolic alkalosis - correct answerelevation of HCO3- usually caused by an excessive
loss of metabolic acids
respiratory acidosis - correct answerCauses: shallow, slow respirations->
HYPOventilation; respiratory congestion or obstruction.
Can be due to COPD, severe pneumonia, or excessive sedation; respiratory muscle
weakness.
Signs and symptoms of respiratory acidosis - correct answerHypoventilation, dyspnea,
anxiety, and confusion
ABG values for respiratory acidosis - correct answerpH less than 7.35, PaCO2 greater
than 45
causes of metabolic acidosis - correct answershock, DKA, lactic acidosis, renal failure,
diarrhea, and starvation
signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis - correct answerKussmaul respirations;
headache; confusion; malaise
ABG values for metabolic acidosis - correct answerlow pH, HCO3 less than 22
Causes of respiratory alkalosis - correct answerHYPERventilation caused by anxiety or
pain, mechanical ventilation
Signs and symptoms of respiratory alkalosis - correct answerHyperventilation;
confusion; Lightheadedness
ABG values for respiratory alkalosis - correct answerph greater than 7.45, paCO2 less
than 35
metabolic alkalosis causes - correct answervomiting; prolonged gastric suction;
hypokalemia; medications: diuretics, antacids or bicarbonate, mineralocorticoids
signs and symptoms of metabolic alkalosis - correct answerHypoventilation; confusion;
numbness/tingling; decreased LOC
ABG values for metabolic alkalosis - correct answerpH greater than 7.45, HCO3 greater
than 26
Normal pH - correct answer7.35-7.45
, Normal PaO2 levels - correct answer80-100 mmHg
Normal PaCO2 levels - correct answer35-45 mmHg
Normal HCO3 levels - correct answer22-26
A common cause of liver toxicity is? - correct answerTaking extra strength
acetaminophen at doses of 4500 mg per day
Measures used to teach patients to prevent gastrointestinal ulcers include? - correct
answerLimiting the amount of routine alcohol consumption.
You are planning care for several patients who had diagnostic testing. Which patient will
require the most time for post procedural care? - correct answerPatient who had a liver
biopsy
You are preparing a patient for a liver biopsy. Which nursing intervention should be
included? - correct answerAttending to patient's fears and anxiety, checking for a signed
consent form the procedure, checking coagulation studies for bleeding problems, noting
any allergy to local anesthetics.
An 82 year old patient is undergoing bowel preparation for a diagnostic procedure. What
are potential complications of the bowel prep? - correct answerDehydration, muscle
cramps, and hypotension
A decreased secretion of intrinsic factor is a physiologic change associated with the
aging process; therefore, you suspect decreased intrinsic factor should assess for which
behavior? - correct answerFatigue and activity intolerance.
A lack of intrinsic factor may cause pernicious anemia, which can manifest as fatigue
and activity intolerance.
Which laboratory values would you use to assess liver function? - correct answerALT,
ammonia, INR
You emphasize the importance of eating natural sources of fiber to a patient who has
frequent constipation. which patient statement indicates effective health teaching? -
correct answer"I will eat more fruits and vegetables"
A 30-year-old woman is admitted with complaints of severe nausea and vomiting over
the past 2 days. On admission she is hypotensive and extremely weak. what is the
priority problem? - correct answerdeficient fluid volume
A nurse is discussing healthy lifestyle measures with a group of older adults during a
senior seminar. What instructions should you include as accurate information? - correct
answerConsume sufficient fiber, eat a normal, well-balanced diet, and exercise regularly