Chapter 13: Nutrition for Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Chapter 13: Nutrition for Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. If a patient with multiple sclerosis starts coughing frequently during meals and starts to eat significantly less food than normal, the patient may have

a.	pneumonia.
b.	gastroesophageal reflux disease.
c.	peptic ulcer.
d.	dysphagia.

 

 

ANS:  D

Patients with multiple sclerosis may develop dysphagia; coughing during meals and eating less than usual are common symptoms. Dysphagia may cause pneumonia if food enters the lungs and causes infection. Gastroesophageal reflux disease causes burning and pain but typically not coughing. Peptic ulcer causes intestinal pain but not coughing.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying               REF:   Pages 287-291

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment           MSC:  Client Needs: Physiological integrity

 

2. For a patient with dysphagia, the food that would be most difficult to swallow is

a.	applesauce.
b.	mashed potatoes.
c.	chocolate pudding.
d.	chicken noodle soup.

 

 

ANS:  D

Patients with dysphagia often have difficulty swallowing thin liquids, such as chicken noodle soup. Thicker, pureed foods such as applesauce, mashed potatoes, and chocolate pudding are usually easier to swallow.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying               REF:   Pages 290-291

TOP:   Nursing Process: Planning               MSC:  Client Needs: Physiological integrity

 

3. If a patient has difficulty swallowing, the best position for eating is

a.	propped up in bed with a caregiver by the bedside.
b.	sitting upright opposite a caregiver.
c.	sitting at a dining table with social dining companions.
d.	lying on the left side, with a caregiver by the side.

 

 

ANS:  B

The safest eating position for someone who has trouble swallowing is sitting upright; the caregiver should sit opposite to help provide cues and reminders while the patient is eating. It is usually best for patients with dysphagia not to interact socially during mealtimes because talking may make swallowing more difficult. Sitting propped up in bed and leaning back would make it easier for food to enter the airway. Lying on one’s side while eating is very likely to cause aspiration.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying               REF:   Pages 290-291

TOP:   Nursing Process: Planning| Nursing Process: Implementation

MSC:  Client Needs: Physiological integrity

 

4. The most acute risk for patients with dysphagia is

a.	constipation.
b.	dehydration.
c.	dry mouth.
d.	panic attacks.

 

 

ANS:  B

An acute daily concern for patients with dysphagia is dehydration. Patients are not usually allowed to drink fluids without supervision, and so fluid intake must be monitored throughout the day. Constipation and dry mouth may occur with poor fluid and food intake but are less acute. Patients with dysphagia may experience feelings of panic, but this is not the most acute concern.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying               REF:   Pages 290-291

TOP:   Nursing Process: Evaluation            MSC:  Client Needs: Physiological integrity

 

5. The most helpful recommendation for a client who often experiences heartburn at night would be to

a.	avoid eating within 4 hours of going to bed.
b.	increase the fiber content of the diet.
c.	decrease the fiber content of the diet.
d.	take antacid medications before going to bed.

 

 

ANS:  A

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) usually occurs 1 to 4 hours after eating; therefore, waiting at least 4 hours after eating before going to bed would help prevent heartburn at night. Antacid medications may be helpful but should not be used on a regular basis before other strategies have been tried. Fiber content of the diet does not affect heartburn.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying               REF:   Page 291

TOP:   Nursing Process: Assessment| Nursing Process: Planning

MSC:  Client Needs: Physiological integrity