Chapter 56  Introduction to the Gastrointestinal System

Chapter 56  Introduction to the Gastrointestinal System

Complete Chapter Questions And Answers
 

Sample Questions

1. What is a unique characteristic of the gastrointestinal (GI) system?

A) It contains multiple organs that work together.

B) It is lined with epithelial tissue.

C) It is the only system open to the external environment.

D) The GI tract is sterile and contains no bacteria.

Ans: C

Feedback:

The GI system is the only system that is open to the external environment. The definition of a system is
multiple organs working together to perform a function or functions. Many systems are lined with
epithelial tissue. The GI tract is not sterile and does contain bacteria.

2. What is the purpose of the peritoneum?

A) Help propel the GI contents down the tract

B) Help keep the GI tract in place and prevent friction with movement

C) Decrease the muscle tone to slow the GI tract from moving too fast

D) Serve as a supportive layer and helps the tube maintain its shape

Ans: B

Feedback:

The peritoneum lines the abdominal wall and viscera and helps keep the GI tract in place and prevents a
buildup of friction with movement. The muscularis mucosa layer helps propel the GI contents
downward. The nerve plexus helps to slow the GI tract when digestion is not a priority or stimulates it
for digestion. The adventitia serves as a supportive layer and helps the tube maintain its shape.

3. A patient complains of frequent acid indigestion. The nurse instructs the patient to increase intake of
what to reduce stimulation of acid production?

A) Protein

Test Bank – Focus on Nursing Pharmacology (7th Edition by Amy Karch) 916

B) Calcium

C) Fiber

D) Alcohol

Ans: C

Feedback:

Fiber does not promote acid production so it would be a safe food for patients to eat to avoid
stimulating more acid in the stomach. Acid production in the stomach is stimulated by gastrin which
increases in the presence of protein, calcium, caffeine, or alcohol in the stomach.

4. When the nurse administers a medication that stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system the drug
will have what impact on the GI system?

A) Decrease sphincter tone

B) Decrease muscle tone

C) Decrease contractions

D) Decrease secretions

Ans: A

Feedback:

The effect of the parasympathetic nervous system is that of ​rest and digest.​ It stimulates the GI tract
causing increased muscle tone, secretions and contractions, and decreased sphincter tone allowing for
easy movement.

5. What reflex causes an increase in small intestine activity when the stomach is stimulated by stretching,
the presence of food, or cephalic stimulation?

A) Duodenal​colic

B) Gastroenteric

C) Gastrocolic

D) Ileogastric

Ans: B

Feedback:

The gastroenteric reflex is stimulation of the stomach, which causes an increase in activity in the small
intestine. The duodenal​colic reflex stimulates colon activity and mass movement. The gastrocolic reflex
is stimulation in the stomach, which increases activity in the colon. The ileogastric reflex is the
introduction of chyme or stretch to the large intestine and slow stomach activity.