NCLEX : Causes and Treatments of Gastrointestinal Conditions
Study concepts, example questions & explanations for NCLEX
All NCLEX Resources
Example Questions
Example Question #371 : Conditions And Treatments
Example Question #21 : Gastrointestinal Conditions
Example Question #2 : Causes And Treatments Of Gastrointestinal Conditions
What foods must be avoided in Celiac disease?
Foods containing gluten
Foots containing red meat
Foods containing wheat
Foods containing dairy
Foods containing oat
Foods containing gluten
Celiac disease is an autoimmune condition that is triggered by ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. A wheat-free diet is not sufficient for a patient with Celiac disease, as many other products contain elements of barley or rye and thus also contain gluten.
Oat, while often avoided by individuals with Celiac disease due to cross-contamination during processing, does not contain gluten. Whole dairy products are also generally gluten-free and considered safe for patients with Celiac disease.
Example Question #4 : Causes And Treatments Of Gastrointestinal Conditions
Samantha is a registered nurse working in the intensive care unit with a patient recently diagnosed with Clostridium difficile. She violates Clostridium difficile contact precautions by __________.
placing the patient in a private room
cleaning surfaces with hypochlorite-based disinfectants
cleansing her hands with only alcohol-based gel before leaving the room
placing the client in a semi-private room with another patient diagnosed with Clostridium difficile
donning only gloves and a gown before entering the room
cleansing her hands with only alcohol-based gel before leaving the room
Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is an infection caused by Clostridium difficile bacteria and requires contact precautions. Contact precautions state that nurses must wear gloves and a gown while caring for the patient. Nurses must also preform adequate hand hygiene before and after the use of gloves. Additionally, because C. diff infections are caused by spores, alcohol gel alone may not be sufficient to eliminate the bacteria. Current practice is the use of soap and water to cleanse hands. Afterwards, nurses may utilize alcohol-based hand gel. It is acceptable to place a C. diff patient in a semi-private room with another C. diff patient if private rooms are unavailable.
Example Question #1181 : Nclex
Carrie is caring for an 85-year-old woman in a long-term care facility. Her patient has been taking antibiotics for the past two weeks to treat a severe case of cellulitis. Carrie notices that her patient has developed a fever, has refused her last two meal trays, and is complaining of abdominal pain. Which of the following samples should Carrie seek permission to obtain?
A urine sample
A stool sample
A gastric fluid sample
A sputum sample
A blood sample
A stool sample
It is possible that this patient is suffering from a Clostridium difficile infection caused by bacteria. The presence of an underlying condition, increasing age, and antibiotic use are all risk factors for contracting Clostridium difficile. A stool sample is commonly used to test for the bacteria. Until the results are available, Carrie should place the patient under proper C. difficile contact precautions.
Example Question #1181 : Nclex
A female client with advanced cirrhosis of the liver has noticed that her abdomen has become greatly distended and she is concerned about her body image. The client asks the nurse "What is causing my stomach to look so big?"
The nurse responds based on her knowledge of liver disease and possible signs and symptoms. She tells the client which of the following explanations for her distended abdomen?
An accumulation of nitrogen waste in the bloodstream due to the liver's inability to transform the waste to non toxic substances causes ascites
Elevated blood pressure in the liver and the liver's inability to synthesize albumin causes fluid shifts in the abdomen
Cirrhosis is highly associated with severe constipation and the accumulation of gas in the peritoneal cavity causing distention
The liver is producing excess cholesterol and it has accumulated in the interstitial spaces of the abdomen
The liver's inability to make clotting factors due to vitamin K deficiency causes internal bleeding into the abdominal cavity
Elevated blood pressure in the liver and the liver's inability to synthesize albumin causes fluid shifts in the abdomen
Portal hypertension causes proteins to move from the bloodstream into the lymphatics which cannot handle the excess and they leak into to abdominal cavity. The proteins causes an osmotic pressure pulling fluid into the space leading to ascites. Hypoalbuminemia will lead to decreased colloid oncotic pressure as well, also contributing to ascites.
Example Question #1184 : Nclex
Which of the following bacterial species is responsible for the development of peptic ulcers?
Streptococcus faecalis
Treponema pallidum
Helicobacter pylori
Viridans streptococci
Staphylococcus aureus
Helicobacter pylori
Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori is the bacterial cause of peptic ulcers. Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that frequently causes skin infections along with other conditions such as toxic shock syndrome. Streptococcus faecalis is responsible for many urinary tract infections and contracting Viridans streptococci may result in endocarditis. Treponema pallidum bacteria cause syphilis.
Example Question #381 : Conditions And Treatments
The nurse is caring for a 25-year old-patient diagnosed with a poorly functioning lower esophageal sphincter. The nurse may advise the patient to do which of the following?
Avoid ingestion of antacids
Lay down immediately following meals
Avoid alcoholic beverages
Avoid whole grains
Limit water intake
Avoid alcoholic beverages
Several foods can cause relaxation or irritation of the lower-esophageal sphincter. Alcohol, carbonated beverages, and chocolate are a few examples. Advise the patient to remain upright after meals, to utilize antacids when appropriate, and to practice a balanced diet.
Example Question #381 : Conditions And Treatments
Which of the following GERD medications works by neutralizing stomach acid?
Pantoprazole
Famotidine
Ranitidine
Magnesium hydroxide
Omeprazole
Magnesium hydroxide
Magnesium hydroxide is a strong base. It works by neutralizing the acid in the stomach, forming water and magnesium chloride. All other listed medications work to prevent the stomach from over-producing acid, rather than neutralizing the existing acid in the stomach.
Example Question #1191 : Nclex
Which of the following patients is most at risk for the development of a hiatal hernia?
A 30-year-old male professional athlete
An 80-year-old obese woman with alcohol related ascites
An 80-year-old obese male who loads trucks for work
An obese male who smokes cigarettes
A 35 year old pregnant woman with a gastrointestinal tumor
An 80-year-old obese woman with alcohol related ascites
Advanced age, female sex, obesity, alcohol use, frequent heavy lifting, pregnancy, gastrointestinal tumors, and smoking may increase an individual's risk for the development of a hiatal hernia. The correct scenario represents four risk factors.
All NCLEX Resources
