Gastrointestinal Health Quiz

What might be indicated by hyperactive bowel sounds during auscultation?

• Paralytic ileus caused by mechanical or neurological dysfunction

• Aneurysms

• Obstruction, diarrhea, or inflammatory bowel disorders

• A rapid change in weight

What does melena refer to in the context of stool changes?

• A high frequency of stool

• Presence of blood in the stool described as bright blood

• A black, tarry stool, usually from higher up in the GI system

• A consistent texture of stool

Which of the following is a risk factor that should be assessed in a patient's family history for gastrointestinal health?

• Food intolerances/allergies

• Genetic risk factors for cancer screening

• Frequency of dieting

• Characteristics of abdominal pain

What is a potential cause of absent bowel sounds?

• Aneurysms

• Paralytic ileus caused by mechanical or neurological dysfunction

• Jaundice

• Hematochezia

What does the presence of jaundice or blue or purple coloring around the periumbilical area (Cullen's sign) suggest?

• A later indicator of obstruction

• A rapid change in weight

• Intra-abdominal bleeding

• Presence of blood in the stool

What can bruits indicate?

• Arterial obstruction

• Nutritional status

• Hepatic dysfunction

• Electrolyte imbalances

What does a rigid abdomen during palpation suggest?

• Pain, guarding, or peritonitis

• A tumor, aneurysm, or hernia

• Rebound tenderness

• Active infection with H pylori

What is the purpose of a CBC in diagnostic testing?

• To assess for electrolyte imbalances

• To evaluate for potential blood loss and inflammatory or infections processes

• To evaluate liver function

• To detect active infection with H pylori

What does an esophagogastroduodenoscopy visualize?

• The colon from anus to cecum

• The esophagus, stomach, and duodenum

• The liver

• The pancreas

How long should a patient refrain from eating or drinking (NPO) before an esophagogastroduodenoscopy?

• 24 hours

• 6-8 hours

• 8-10 hours

• 12 hours