Chapter 24: Caring for the Child With a Gastrointestinal Condition

Chapter 24: Caring for the Child With a Gastrointestinal Condition

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. The student nurse studying the digestive system knows that most of the work of absorption occurs through a system of villi and folds in which gastrointestinal structure?

A.	Gallbladder
B.	Large intestine
C.	Small intestine
D.	Stomach

 

 

ANS:  C

The small intestine does most of the work of absorption through a system of villi and folds, which increases the absorptive surface. The large intestine takes care of elimination. In the stomach, food mixes with gastric fluids and is then propelled into the small intestine. The gallbladder, which lies within the inferior surface of the liver, excretes and stores bile.

 

Cognitive Level: Knowledge/Remembering

Content Area: Pediatrics/Maternity

Patient Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning

Difficulty: Easy

 

PTS:   1

 

2. During a well-child visit, the pediatric nurse performs a physical assessment on a 2-year-old patient. Which of the following developmental characteristics would the nurse expect to be the case for a child of 2 years?

A.	Average weight gain is 10 to 12 lb/year.
B.	The digestive system grows rapidly, increasing caloric needs.
C.	The salivary glands reach adult size.
D.	Stomach capacity increases to about 200 mL.

 

 

ANS:  C

By 2 years, the child’s salivary glands reach adult size (Murphy, 2004). The average toddler gains 5 to 6 lb/year (2.3 to 2.7 kg/year). The stomach capacity increases to about 500 mL, and the growth of the child’s digestive system slows during the toddler years, which leads to a reduction in caloric needs from those during the infant period.

 

Cognitive Level: Knowledge/Remembering

Content Area: Pediatrics/Maternity

Patient Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance

Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment

Difficulty: Easy

 

PTS:   1

 

3. A parent calls the after-hours clinic nurse’s line and describes a bulging mass in his 6-month-old son’s scrotal area that used to disappear when the child was quiet. Now the mass is constantly present. What action by the nurse is the most appropriate?

A.	Ask the parent to call in the morning to make an appointment.
B.	Have the father withhold all feedings for 24 hours.
C.	Instruct the father to take the child to an emergency department.
D.	Reassure the father the condition is benign unless bloody diarrhea occurs.

 

 

ANS:  C

This child has signs of an incarcerated hernia, which is a hernia that cannot be returned to the abdominal cavity. This can lead to strangulation or necrosis of the bowel if not treated promptly. Because it is after hours, the nurse should instruct the father to take the child to an emergency department for treatment. Waiting to call for an appointment in the morning increases the risk of complications. Holding feedings and bloody diarrhea are not related to this condition.

 

Cognitive Level: Application/Applying

Content Area: Pediatrics/Maternity

Patient Needs: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation

Difficulty: Difficult

 

PTS:   1

 

4. A mother brings her infant to the pediatrician for a checkup. She tells the pediatric nurse that almost every afternoon her infant fusses, generally at the same time each day and usually during the late afternoon or evening. The infant pulls both legs and arms into a flexed position. Based on this description, the nurse assesses the infant further for which condition?

A.	Gastric ulcers
B.	Infantile colic
C.	Meckel diverticulum
D.	Irritable bowel syndrome

 

 

ANS:  B

Colic is described as persistent, unexplained crying or fussing in infants younger than 3 months. Episodes generally occur at the same time each day, usually during the late afternoon or evening. During such episodes, the infant appears to be pulling both the legs and the arms into a flexed position.

 

Cognitive Level: Application/Applying

Content Area: Pediatrics/Maternity

Patient Needs: Physiological Integrity: Physiological Adaptation

Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment

Difficulty: Moderate

 

PTS:   1

 

5. A nurse is preparing oral rehydration solution for a child weighing 13.7 lb (6.21 kg). How much solution should the nurse prepare for one feeding?

A.	0.5–2 mL
B.	2–4 mL
C.	6 mL
D.	10 mL

 

 

ANS:  A

Depending on the child’s age and size, the nurse should offer oral rehydration solution in the amount of 0.5–2 mL in 15-minute intervals.

 

Cognitive Level: Application/Applying

Content Area: Pediatrics/Maternity

Patient Needs: Physiological Integrity: Basic Care and Comfort

Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Implementation

Difficulty: Moderate

 

PTS:   1