NCLEX Questions Gastrointestinal System
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Question 1 of 5.
The nurse has been assigned to care for four clients. Which client should the nurse plan to assess first?
A. The 50-year-old client who has chronic pancreatitis and is reporting a pain level of 6 out of 10 on a numerical scale
B. The 47-year-old client with esophageal varices who has influenza and has been coughing for the last 30 minutes
C. The 60-year-old client who had an open cholecystectomy 15 hours ago and has been stable through the night
D. The 54-year-old client with cirrhosis and jaundice who is reporting having itching all over the body
Explanation: A. The client with a pain rating of 6 out of 10 on a numerical scale needs attention, but the pain is not a life-threatening concern. B. Bleeding esophageal varices are the most life-threatening complication of cirrhosis. Coughing can precipitate a bleeding episode. The nurse should assess this client first. C. The client who is postcholecystectomy is reported as being stable and could be assessed last. D. The client reporting itching needs attention, but the itching is not a life-threatening concern.
Question 2 of 5.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with GERD. Which nursing interventions should be implemented?
A. Place the client prone in bed and administer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
B. Have the client remain upright at all times and walk for 30 minutes three (3) times a week.
C. Instruct the client to maintain a right lateral side-lying position and take antacids before meals.
D. Elevate the head of the bed (HOB) 30 degrees and discuss lifestyle modifications with the client.
Explanation: Elevating the head of the bed prevents reflux during sleep, and lifestyle modifications (e.g., avoiding trigger foods, not lying down after meals) are key to managing GERD. Prone positioning worsens reflux, remaining upright at all times is impractical, and right lateral positioning is less effective than head elevation.
Question 3 of 5.
Which statement made by the client indicates to the nurse the client may be experiencing GERD?
A. My chest hurts when I walk up the stairs in my home.
B. I take antacid tablets with me wherever I go.
C. My spouse tells me I snore very loudly at night.
D. I drink six (6) to seven (7) soft drinks every day.
Explanation: Frequent use of antacids suggests ongoing heartburn or reflux symptoms, a hallmark of GERD. Chest pain with exertion is more suggestive of cardiac issues, snoring may indicate sleep apnea, and soft drink consumption is a risk factor but not a direct symptom.
Question 4 of 5.
The client diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease has a serum potassium level of 3.4 mEq/L. Which action should the nurse implement first?
A. Notify the health-care provider (HCP).
B. Assess the client for muscle weakness.
C. Request telemetry for the client.
D. Prepare to administer potassium IV.
Explanation: A potassium level of 3.4 mEq/L is slightly low, warranting assessment for symptoms like muscle weakness, which could indicate hypokalemia severity. Notification or intervention would follow based on clinical findings, but assessment is the first step.
Question 5 of 5.
The client diagnosed with ulcerative colitis has an ileostomy. Which statement indicates the client needs more teaching concerning the ileostomy?
A. My stoma should be pink and moist.
B. I will irrigate my ileostomy every morning.
C. If I get a red, bumpy, itchy rash I will call my HCP.
D. I will change my pouch if it starts leaking.
Explanation: Ileostomies typically do not require routine irrigation, as the output is liquid and continuous, unlike colostomies. The other statements reflect correct understanding of stoma care and management.
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