EXAM 2 OBJECTIVES

Question 1

What is the function of the mouth in the digestive system?

Answer 1

Mechanical digestion (chewing); enzymatic digestion via salivary amylase.

Question 2

What is the primary function of the esophagus?

Answer 2

Propels food to stomach via peristalsis.

Question 3

What does the stomach secrete for protein digestion?

Answer 3

HCl and pepsin.

Question 4

Where does the majority of nutrient absorption occur?

Answer 4

Small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, ileum).

Question 5

What is the primary function of the large intestine?

Answer 5

Absorbs water/electrolytes; forms and eliminates feces.

Question 6

List the major functions of the liver.

Answer 6

• Produces bile
• Metabolizes nutrients, drugs, toxins.

Question 7

What is the role of the gallbladder?

Answer 7

Stores and concentrates bile.

Question 8

What are the two main functions of the pancreas?

Answer 8

• Exocrine (digestive enzymes)
• Endocrine (insulin, glucagon) functions.

Question 9

Define mechanical digestion.

Answer 9

Chewing, peristalsis, segmentation, and churning.

Question 10

What is chemical digestion?

Answer 10

Enzymatic breakdown: amylase (carbs), pepsin (proteins), lipase (fats).

Question 11

What are normal findings for the mouth during a GI assessment?

Answer 11

Pink mucosa, moist, intact.

Question 12

What are abnormal findings in the abdomen during a GI assessment?

Answer 12

Distention, rebound tenderness, hypo/hyperactive bowel sounds.

Question 13

What does brown, soft, formed stool indicate?

Answer 13

Normal stool findings.

Question 14

What could black/tarry stool indicate?

Answer 14

Melena or GI bleeding.

Question 15

Name a possible cause of nausea/vomiting.

Answer 15

GI infection, obstruction, gastroparesis.

Question 16

What is a potential cause of diarrhea?

Answer 16

Infection, IBS, malabsorption.

Question 17

Fill in the blank: Heartburn may be caused by _______.

Answer 17

GERD, hiatal hernia.

Question 18

What is the purpose of an endoscopy (EGD)?

Answer 18

Visualizes esophagus, stomach, duodenum.

Question 19

What should be monitored after a barium study?

Answer 19

Encourage fluids after to clear barium.

Question 20

What is the primary symptom of GERD?

Answer 20

Heartburn.

Question 21

What lifestyle factors can influence upper GI disorders?

Answer 21

• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• NSAIDs
• Stress
• Diet (spicy, fatty, acidic foods)

Question 22

What are key findings in gastritis?

Answer 22

Nausea/vomiting, fullness, epigastric pain.

Question 23

What is the nursing management for stomatitis?

Answer 23

Good oral hygiene, avoid spicy foods, topical analgesics.

Question 24

What is a common treatment for candidiasis (thrush)?

Answer 24

Nystatin swish/swallow, oral care.

Question 25

What are the signs of TMJ dysfunction?

Answer 25

Jaw pain, clicking, limited motion.

Question 26

What is the nursing management for a patient with a mandibular fracture?

Answer 26

Maintain airway, wiring care, liquid diet, suction PRN.

Question 27

Define achalasia.

Answer 27

Dysphagia, regurgitation.

Question 28

What are the nursing priorities for enteral nutrition support?

Answer 28

* Verify tube placement * Maintain tube patency * Elevate HOB ≥30–45° * Check residuals per policy

Question 29

What are common issues associated with noncancerous esophageal disorders?

Answer 29

* GERD * Hiatal hernia * Esophageal spasm * Diverticula

Question 30

What is the management for gastric cancer?

Answer 30

* Gastrectomy * Chemotherapy * Radiation * Nutritional support * Psychosocial support

Question 31

What is the primary symptom of peptic ulcer disease (PUD)?

Answer 31

Burning/gnawing epigastric pain.

Question 32

What is the treatment regimen for H. pylori infection?

Answer 32

2 antibiotics + PPI ('triple therapy').

Question 33

What lifestyle changes can help manage GERD?

Answer 33

* Elevate HOB * Avoid triggers * Small meals

Question 34

What are the signs of GI bleeding?

Answer 34

* Black tarry stools * Coffee-ground emesis * Drop in Hgb