Chapter 42: Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders

Chapter 42: Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders

 

Complete Chapter Questions With Answers

 

Sample Questions Are Posted Below

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE

 

1. A patient who experiences motion sickness when flying asks the nurse the best time to take the medication prescribed to prevent motion sickness for a 0900 flight. The nurse will instruct the patient to take the medication at which time?

a.	As needed, at the first sign of nausea
b.	At 0700, before leaving for the airport
c.	At 0830, just prior to boarding the plane
d.	When seated, just prior to takeoff

 

 

ANS:   C

Motion sickness medication has its onset in 30 minutes. The patient should be instructed to take the medication a half hour prior to takeoff. It is not used as needed.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Understanding (Comprehension)               REF:    p. 605

TOP:    Nursing Process: Nursing Intervention: Patient Teaching

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

2. The nurse is caring for a patient who has unexplained, recurrent vomiting and who is unable to keep anything down. Until the cause of the vomiting is determined, the nurse will anticipate administering which medications?

a.	Antibiotics and antiemetics
b.	Intravenous fluids and electrolytes
c.	Nonprescription antiemetics
d.	Prescription antiemetics

 

 

ANS:   B

Antiemetics can mask the underlying cause of vomiting and should not be used until the cause is determined unless vomiting is so severe that dehydration and electrolyte imbalance occur. Nonpharmacologic measures, such as fluid and electrolyte replacement, should be used. Antibiotics are only used if an infectious cause is determined.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                              REF:    p. 605

TOP:    Nursing Process: Nursing Intervention

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

3. The parent of an 18-month-old toddler calls the clinic to report that the child has vomited 5 times that day. The nurse determines that the child has had three wet diapers in the past 6 hours. What will the nurse recommend for this child?

a.	Administering an OTC antiemetic medication such as diphenhydramine
b.	Giving frequent, small amounts of Pedialyte
c.	Keeping the child NPO until vomiting subsides
d.	Taking the child to the emergency department for IV fluids

 

 

ANS:   B

The child is not dehydrated as evidenced by adequate wet diapers, so nonpharmacologic measures, such as oral fluids, are recommended. Antiemetics are not recommended unless dehydration occurs. Intravenous fluids are given when dehydration is present.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                              REF:    p. 605

TOP:    Nursing Process: Nursing Intervention

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies

 

4. The nurse is teaching a patient who is about to take a long car trip about using dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) to prevent motion sickness. What information is important to include when teaching this patient?

a.	“Do not drive while taking this medication.”
b.	“Dry mouth is a sign of toxicity with this medication.”
c.	“Take the medication 1 to 2 hours prior to beginning the trip.”
d.	“Take 100 mg up to 6 times daily for best effect.”

 

 

ANS:   A

Drowsiness is a common side effect of dimenhydrinate, so patients should be cautioned against driving while taking this drug. Dry mouth is a common side effect and not a sign of toxicity. The drug should be taken 30 minutes prior to travel. The maximum recommended dose is 400 mg per day.

 

DIF:    Cognitive Level: Applying (Application)                              REF:    p. 605

TOP:    Nursing Process: Nursing Intervention: Patient Teaching

MSC:   NCLEX: Physiological Integrity: Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies