Gastrointestinal NCLEX
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Question 1 of 5.
The nurse is caring for the postoperative client who underwent an open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The charge nurse should intervene if which observation is made?
A. The nursing care plan for postoperative day one indicates restricting fluids to 30—60 mL per hour of clear liquids.
B. The nurse is instructing the licensed practical nurse (LPN) to remove the client's urinary catheter 24 hours after surgery.
C. The client is wearing a bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) mask when sleeping during the day.
D. A bottle of saline and 60-mL catheter-tip syringe are on the bedside table for nasogastric (NG) tube irrigation.
Explanation: A. For the first 24-48 hours postoperatively, the client sips small amounts of clear liquids to avoid nausea, vomiting, and distention and stress on the suture line. B. If used, urinary catheters should be removed within 24 hours after surgery to prevent UTIs and to encourage mobility. The nurse may delegate this task to an LPN. C. The BiPAP mask is used to keep the airway open and should be worn whenever the client is sleeping. D. A bottle of saline and a large-sized syringe may indicate that the client's NG tube has been or will be irrigated. Manipulating or irrigating an NG tube with too much solution can lead to disruption of the anastomosis in gastric surgeries. If an NG tube is present the surgeon should be consulted before irrigating the tube.
Question 2 of 5.
The nurse caring for a client diagnosed with GERD writes the client problem of 'behavior modification.' Which intervention should be included for this problem?
A. Teach the client to sleep with a foam wedge under the head.
B. Encourage the client to decrease the amount of smoking.
C. Instruct the client to take over-the-counter medication for relief of pain.
D. Discuss the need to attend Alcoholics Anonymous to quit drinking.
Explanation: Sleeping with a foam wedge elevates the head, reducing reflux by preventing stomach acid from flowing into the esophagus during sleep, a key behavioral modification for GERD. Smoking cessation is beneficial but less specific to immediate symptom relief, and the other options are not directly related to behavior modification for GERD.
Question 3 of 5.
The nurse is administering morning medications at 0730. Which medication should have priority?
A. A proton pump inhibitor.
B. A nonnarcotic analgesic.
C. A histamine receptor antagonist.
D. A mucosal barrier agent.
Explanation: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the mainstay treatment for GERD, reducing acid production and preventing esophageal damage. They should be prioritized over analgesics, histamine receptor antagonists, or mucosal barrier agents, which are less critical for immediate symptom control and healing.
Question 4 of 5.
Which disease is the client diagnosed with GERD at greater risk for developing?
A. Hiatal hernia.
B. Gastroenteritis.
C. Esophageal cancer.
D. Gastric cancer.
Explanation: Chronic GERD increases the risk of esophageal cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma, due to prolonged acid exposure causing Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition. Hiatal hernia is a risk factor for GERD, not a consequence, and gastroenteritis and gastric cancer are less directly linked.
Question 5 of 5.
The client diagnosed with IBD is prescribed total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which intervention should the nurse implement?
A. Check the client's glucose level.
B. Administer an oral hypoglycemic.
C. Assess the peripheral intravenous site.
D. Monitor the client's oral food intake.
Explanation: TPN, high in dextrose, can cause hyperglycemia, so monitoring glucose levels is essential, especially in IBD patients with potential metabolic stress. Oral hypoglycemics are inappropriate, TPN uses central lines, and oral intake is typically minimal.