Questions & Answers For The Gastrointestinal System

Which structure performs the mechanical action at breaking up food into smaller pieces?

Mouth

Which term describes the rhythmic contractions of the lining of the G.I. tract to push food along the passageway?

Peristalsis

Which term describes chemical substances that aid digestion and are secreted by the glands in the mouth, lining of the stomach, and from that accessory organs?

Enzymes

Which structure works to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream during the digestive process?

Small intestine

Which structure prepares undigested substances for elimination from the body?

Large intestine

Which is NOT a function of saliva?

To signal the esophagus to begin peristalsis?

Which condition occurs if the stomach is irritated and peristalsis takes place in the opposite direction?

Vomiting

Which term is used to describe food mixed with stomach secretions?

Chyme

Which structure receives food directly from the stomach, where it is mixed with strong digestive juices from liver and pancreas?

Duodenum

Which term describes small, fingerlike projections of the small intestine lining that provide a large surface area for absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream?

Villi

Which substance is secreted from the liver and aids in digesting fats?

Bile

Stress can affect digestion because the peristalsis and secretion of digestive enzymes are under the control of the ————- nervous system?

Autonomic

Which term means indigestion?

Dyspepsia

Which term refers to the result of muscle spasms in the walls of the stomach and intestines?

Cramps

Which term describes the failure to have regular bowel movements?

Constipation

Which condition could cause patients to avoid hard to chew fibrous foods that would help keep their bowel movements regular?

Tooth and gum disorders

Which condition could result from the normal use of irritants such as coffee, alcohol, and tobacco?

Gastritis

Which condition is caused by excessive secretion of hydrochloric acid - HCI ?

Peptic also disease

Which category of drugs neutralize HCI in the stomach?

Antacids

Which category of drugs inhibit gastric acid station?

Histamine H2 - receptor antagonists

Which term is used to describe a yellowing of the skin that is a symptom of Liver disease?

Jaundice

Which term is used to describe chronic, progressive disease of the liver characterized by degeneration and distraction of liver cells?

Cirrhosis

Which virus is of great concern to the healthcare worker because it is blood borne and may occur through accidental needlesticks?

Hepatitis B virus - HBV

Hepatitis A and hepatitis B may be prevented through the use of?

Vaccines

Which condition could present with symptoms such as fever, vomiting, jaundice, and pain in the upper right quadrant?

Gallbladder disease

Which category of drug aids in digestion by replacing digestive enzymes that are missing due to disease such as stomach cancer, pernicious anemia, or pancreatitis?

Digestant

Which condition is a disease of the colon and rectum characterized by inflammation and ulceration with alternating periods of remissions and exacerbation?

Alterative colitis

Which condition may present with symptoms that may range from 1 to 2 semisoft stools with small amounts of blood to 10 to 20 bloody stools per day?

Ulcerated colitis

Which Condition is a chronic, nonspecific inflammatory bowel disease of unknown etiology that can affect any portion of the GI tract from mouth to anus, but that generally affects the terminal ileum , jejunum , and colon?

Crohn's disease

Which condition presents with multiple pouches in the walls of the intestine?

Diverticulosis

Which condition is caused by straining during bowel movements ; heavy lifting; and prolonged sitting and standing?

Hemorrhoids

Which term is used to describe small outgrowths on the inside of the large intestine, most often in the rectum and sigmoid colon?

Polyps

Tagamet, Zantac, Pepcid, and Axid are examples of which type of drugs?

Histamine H2 - receptor antagonist

An example of a beverage that acts as a stimulant and increase peristalsis in the intestines to push fecal material through faster is?

Coffee

Bulk forming/high fiber laxatives should be taken with plenty of ———- to prevent constipation and possible fecal impaction.

Water

Which category of drugs is given for an intestinal infestation of worms?

Antihelminic

Which side effect is caused by some weight loss medications?

Loss of fat soluble vitamins

Permanent bowel and bone damage and electrolyte imbalance may result from?

Laxative abuse

Pepto-Bismol, Kaopectate , and Imodium are samples of which category of drugs?

Antidiarrheals

Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium, and Protonix art samples of which type of drugs?

Proton pump inhibitors

Which type of drug helps to reduce the gas in the stomach and intestines that accompanies indigestion?

Antiflatulents

Which drug is an example of an emetic, a type of drug that produces vomiting in cases of poisoning?

Syrup of Ipecac

Which type of drug suppresses nausea and vomiting by acting on the brain's control center to stop nerve impulses?

Antiemetics

Which statement is NOT a mechanism of action of antidiarrheals?

Depress the action of the villi in the small intestine

Which type of drug promotes defecation?

Laxatives

Metamucil, Dulcolax, Correctol , and Senokot are examples of which category of drugs?

Laxatives

Physical measures like eating high fiber diet, drinking 1500 to 2000 ML of fluids daily, and increasing physical activity are used in combination with drug therapy to treat?

Constipation

Physical measures like following a bland diet and eliminating substances such as tobacco, coffee, and alcohol should be used in combination with drug therapy to treat which condition?

Ulcers

Which category of medication should be given before, during, and after meals to be effective?

Digestive medications

Which may be ordered if a patient is unconscious or cannot take oral medication, or is nauseated, has a fever, or is in pain?

Suppository

Which medication should never be crushed when administering medication through a nasogastric or Gastrostomy tube?

Buccal or sublingual tablets

Time-release capsule

Enteric-coated tablets

Which term describes a surgically produced opening in the stomach or the abdomen?

Stoma

Which type of tube is inserted through the nose and down the esophagus into the stomach that is used for the administration of medications?

Nasogastric tube

Studies have shown that four times as much Prilosec accumulates in the blood of which of the following ethnic groups?

Asian Americans

Which is the intended action of laxatives?

Promote a bowel movement

Which microorganism is a cause of peptic ulcer disease?

Heliobacter Pylori

Rest, a high fiber diet, antibiotics, and a bulk Laxative such as Metamucil are used to treat which condition?

Diverticulosis

Maalox, Mylanta, and Gelusil Are examples of which type of medications?

Antacids

Motion sickness, morning sickness, and nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy can be treated with what category of medications?

Antiemetics

Which medication is an example of an antidiarrheal?

Imodium

Lazy bowel syndrome can be the result of the overuse of which category of medication?

Laxatives

Which term can be used to describe the passing of loose, watery stools, or passing stools too often?

Diarrhea

To which does the term intestinal motility prefer?

Speed of peristalsis

Because the treatment of abdominal pain with an analgesic may delay discovery of a serious condition, it is important not to give medications until a search has been made for the ——— of the pain.

Cause

Which term describes having difficulty swallowing?

Dysphagia

Which instrument can be used to visually examine the walls of the stomach, intestine, or rectum?

Endoscope