Question 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?

Accepted Answer

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 C

Question 2

The nurse is caring for an older adult who is receiving diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil) to treat severe diarrhea. The nurse will monitor this patient closely for which effect?

Accepted Answer

A)   Bradycardia
B)   Fluid retention
C)   Urinary incontinence
D)   Respiratory depression D

Question 3

The nurse is caring for a patient who has postoperative nausea and vomiting. The surgeon has ordered promethazine HCl (Phenergan). Which aspect of this patient's health history would be of concern?

Accepted Answer

A)   Asthma
B)   Diabetes
C)   GERD
D)   Glaucoma D

Question 4

A patient who is taking diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil) to treat diarrhea asks the nurse why it contains atropine. The nurse will explain that atropine is added, in part, to:

Accepted Answer

A)   decrease abdominal cramping.
B)   increase intestinal motility.
C)   minimize nausea and vomiting.
D)   provide analgesia.

Question 5

A child has been prescribed activated charcoal. What is the likely reason this is being ordered?

Accepted Answer

A)   Ingestion of a toxic substance
B)   Severe vomiting
C)   Nausea
D)   Motion sickness

Question 6

A patient who is receiving chemotherapy will be given dronabinol (Marinol) to prevent nausea and vomiting. The nurse will tell the patient that this drug will be given at which time?

Accepted Answer

A)   Before and after the chemotherapy
B)   During chemotherapy
C)   Immediately prior to chemotherapy
D)   24 hours prior to chemotherapy

Question 7

A woman who is 2 months pregnant reports having morning sickness every day and asks if she can take any medications to treat this problem. The nurse will recommend that the patient try which intervention first?

Accepted Answer

A)   Discuss a possible need for intravenous fluids with her provider.
B)   Contacting the provider to discuss prescribing a prescription antiemetic.
C)   Use nonpharmacologic measures, such as eating crackers or dry toast.
D)   Take over-the-counter antiemetics such as diphenhydramine.

Question 8

The nurse is teaching a group of nursing students about the use of antipsychotic drugs for antiemetic purposes. The nurse will explain that, when given as antiemetics, these drugs are given:

Accepted Answer

A)   in smaller doses.
B)   less frequently.
C)   with anticholinergics.
D)   with antihistamines.

Question 9

The nurse is instructing a patient who will take psyllium (Metamucil) to treat constipation. What information will the nurse include when teaching this patient?

Accepted Answer

A)   The importance of consuming adequate amounts of water
B)   The need to monitor for systemic side effects
C)   The onset of action of 30 to 60 minutes after administration
D)   The need to use the dry form of Metamucil to prevent cramping

Question 10

A patient asks the nurse about using loperamide (Imodium) to treat infectious diarrhea. Which response will the nurse give?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Loperamide results in many central nervous system (CNS)  side effects."
B)   "Loperamide has no effect on infectious diarrhea."
C)   "Loperamide is taken once daily."
D)   "Loperamide can be used to treat diarrheal symptoms but may also slow the exit of the infectious organisms from the GI tract."

Question 11

A child is brought to the emergency department after ingestion of a toxic substance. The child is alert and conscious and is reported to have ingested kerosene 20 minutes prior. The nurse will anticipate administering

Accepted Answer

A)   activated charcoal.
B)   an anticholinergic antiemetic.
C)   gastric lavage.
D)   syrup of ipecac.

Question 12

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?

Accepted Answer

A)   Antibiotics and antiemetics
B)   Intravenous fluids and electrolytes
C)   Nonprescription antiemetics
D)   Prescription antiemetics

Question 13

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 14

An appropriate goal when teaching a patient who has diarrhea is that the patient:

Accepted Answer

A)   will have less frequent, more formed stools.
B)   will not have a stool for 1 to 2 days.
C)   will receive adequate intravenous fluids.
D)   will receive appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Question 15

A patient asks the nurse the best way to prevent traveler's diarrhea. The nurse will provide which recommendation to the patient?

Accepted Answer

A)   "Ask your provider for prophylactic antibiotics."
B)   "Drink bottled water and eat only well-cooked meats."
C)   "Eat fresh, raw fruits and vegetables."
D)   "Take loperamide (Imodium)  every day."

Question 16

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?

Accepted Answer

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."

Question 17

A patient reports having three to four stools, which are sometimes hard, per week. The patient states that this represents less bowel movements than normal for her. The nurse will perform which action?

Accepted Answer

A)   Recommend increased intake of fluids and dietary fiber.
B)   Request an order for a stimulant laxative as needed.
C)   Request an order for a stool softener.
D)   Request an order for magnesium citrate.

Question 18

The parent of a child who is receiving chemotherapy asks the nurse why metoclopramide (Reglan) is not being used to suppress vomiting. The nurse will explain that, in children, this drug is more likely to cause which adverse effect?

Accepted Answer

A)   Excess sedation
B)   Extrapyramidal symptoms
C)   Paralytic ileus
D)   Vertigo

Exam 42: Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders