ATI Med-Surg Gastrointestinal | Verified
Test Bank 2026 | Complete Exam with
Correct Answers & Rationales|| UPDATED
2026
1. A client with GERD reports nightly heartburn. Which instruction should the
nurse give?
A. Drink milk at bedtime
B. Lie flat after meals
C. Elevate the head of the bed
D. Eat a large bedtime snack
Answer: C
Rationale: Elevating the head reduces reflux by gravity and decreases esophageal irritation.
2. Which food should a client with GERD avoid?
A. Oatmeal
B. Baked chicken
C. Chocolate
D. Green beans
Answer: C
Rationale: Chocolate relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and worsens reflux.
3. A client with peptic ulcer disease reports sudden severe abdominal pain and
rigid abdomen. Priority action?
A. Give antacid
B. Assess bowel sounds
C. Notify provider immediately
D. Encourage fluids
Answer: C
Rationale: Sudden rigid abdomen suggests perforation, a surgical emergency.
,4. Which medication treats H. pylori infection?
A. Loperamide
B. Omeprazole + antibiotics
C. Ondansetron
D. Docusate
Answer: B
Rationale: Triple therapy (PPI + antibiotics) eradicates H. pylori.
5. Which lab value indicates acute pancreatitis?
A. Low lipase
B. Elevated amylase
C. Low bilirubin
D. Elevated WBC only
Answer: B
Rationale: Amylase/lipase rise significantly with pancreatic inflammation.
6. Priority intervention for acute pancreatitis?
A. Oral feeding
B. NPO status
C. High-fat diet
D. Ambulation
Answer: B
Rationale: Pancreatic rest decreases enzyme stimulation.
7. Which finding indicates worsening pancreatitis?
A. Decreased pain
B. Grey-Turner sign
C. Hunger
D. Normal glucose
, Answer: B
Rationale: Flank bruising indicates retroperitoneal bleeding.
8. A client with cirrhosis has ascites. Which medication is expected?
A. Furosemide
B. Ibuprofen
C. Loperamide
D. Iron
Answer: A
Rationale: Diuretics reduce fluid accumulation.
9. Which lab value is common with cirrhosis?
A. Increased albumin
B. Decreased PT
C. Prolonged PT/INR
D. Low bilirubin
Answer: C
Rationale: Liver dysfunction reduces clotting factor production.
10. Which sign indicates hepatic encephalopathy?
A. Hyperactivity
B. Asterixis
C. Bradycardia
D. Clear speech
Answer: B
Rationale: Flapping tremor is classic for ammonia toxicity.
11. A client with hepatitis A should receive which instruction?
A. Avoid raw seafood
B. Use condoms
C. Receive blood screening
D. Avoid coughing near others
Test Bank 2026 | Complete Exam with
Correct Answers & Rationales|| UPDATED
2026
1. A client with GERD reports nightly heartburn. Which instruction should the
nurse give?
A. Drink milk at bedtime
B. Lie flat after meals
C. Elevate the head of the bed
D. Eat a large bedtime snack
Answer: C
Rationale: Elevating the head reduces reflux by gravity and decreases esophageal irritation.
2. Which food should a client with GERD avoid?
A. Oatmeal
B. Baked chicken
C. Chocolate
D. Green beans
Answer: C
Rationale: Chocolate relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter and worsens reflux.
3. A client with peptic ulcer disease reports sudden severe abdominal pain and
rigid abdomen. Priority action?
A. Give antacid
B. Assess bowel sounds
C. Notify provider immediately
D. Encourage fluids
Answer: C
Rationale: Sudden rigid abdomen suggests perforation, a surgical emergency.
,4. Which medication treats H. pylori infection?
A. Loperamide
B. Omeprazole + antibiotics
C. Ondansetron
D. Docusate
Answer: B
Rationale: Triple therapy (PPI + antibiotics) eradicates H. pylori.
5. Which lab value indicates acute pancreatitis?
A. Low lipase
B. Elevated amylase
C. Low bilirubin
D. Elevated WBC only
Answer: B
Rationale: Amylase/lipase rise significantly with pancreatic inflammation.
6. Priority intervention for acute pancreatitis?
A. Oral feeding
B. NPO status
C. High-fat diet
D. Ambulation
Answer: B
Rationale: Pancreatic rest decreases enzyme stimulation.
7. Which finding indicates worsening pancreatitis?
A. Decreased pain
B. Grey-Turner sign
C. Hunger
D. Normal glucose
, Answer: B
Rationale: Flank bruising indicates retroperitoneal bleeding.
8. A client with cirrhosis has ascites. Which medication is expected?
A. Furosemide
B. Ibuprofen
C. Loperamide
D. Iron
Answer: A
Rationale: Diuretics reduce fluid accumulation.
9. Which lab value is common with cirrhosis?
A. Increased albumin
B. Decreased PT
C. Prolonged PT/INR
D. Low bilirubin
Answer: C
Rationale: Liver dysfunction reduces clotting factor production.
10. Which sign indicates hepatic encephalopathy?
A. Hyperactivity
B. Asterixis
C. Bradycardia
D. Clear speech
Answer: B
Rationale: Flapping tremor is classic for ammonia toxicity.
11. A client with hepatitis A should receive which instruction?
A. Avoid raw seafood
B. Use condoms
C. Receive blood screening
D. Avoid coughing near others
