NCLEX 10000 GI Disorders Exam Questions
With Complete Answers
A client with an esophageal stricture is about to undergo esophageal dilatation. As the
bougies are passed down the esophagus, the nurse should instruct the client to do
which action to minimize the vomiting urge?
a) Hold his breath
b) Pant like a dog
c) Bear down as if having a bowel movement
d) Take long, slow breaths - ANSWER Take long, slow breaths
Correct
Explanation:
During passage of the bougies used to dilate the esophagus, the client should take long,
slow breaths to minimize the vomiting urge.
A nurse is providing dietary instructions to a client with a history of pancreatitis. Which
of the following instructions would be most appropriate?
a) Maintain a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet.
b) Maintain a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet.
c) Maintain a low-carbohydrate, low-fat diet.
d) Maintain a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet. - ANSWER Maintain a high-carbohydrate,
low-fat diet.
Explanation:
A client with a history of pancreatitis should avoid foods and beverages that stimulate
the pancreas, such as fatty foods, caffeine, and gas-forming foods; should avoid eating
large meals; and should eat plenty of carbohydrates, which are easily metabolized.
Therefore, the only correct instruction is to maintain a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet.
,A home care nurse is caring for a client with complaints of epigastric discomfort who is
scheduled for a barium swallow. Which statement by the client indicates an
understanding of the test?
a) "I'll take a laxative to clear my bowels before the test."
b) "There is no need for special preparation before the test."
c) "I'll avoid eating or drinking anything 6 to 8 hours before the test."
d) "I'll drink full liquids the day before the test." - ANSWER "I'll avoid eating or drinking
anything 6 to 8 hours before the test."
Correct
Explanation:
The client demonstrates understanding of a barium swallow when he states that he must
refrain from eating or drinking for 6 to 8 hours before the test. No other preparation is
needed
The nurse monitors a client with cirrhosis for the development of hepatic
encephalopathy. Which would be an indication that hepatic encephalopathy is
developing?
a) decreased mental status
b) labored respirations
c) decreased urine output
d) elevated blood pressure - ANSWER decreased mental status
Explanation:
The client should be monitored closely for changes in mental status. Ammonia has a
toxic effect on central nervous system tissue and produces an altered level of
consciousness, marked by drowsiness and irritability. If this process is unchecked, the
client may lapse into coma.
As the nurse administers a tap water enema, the client begins to have abdominal
,cramping. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement first?
a) Tell the client to hold the breath, and continue infusing the enema.
b) Turn the client onto the back, and continue infusing the enema.
c) Temporarily stop the infusion until the cramping subsides.
d) Stop infusing the enema, and allow the client to evacuate the fluid. - ANSWER
Temporarily stop the infusion until the cramping subsides.
Correct
Explanation:
When the client initially begins to report abdominal cramping during an enema, it is
usually most appropriate to temporarily stop the infusion until the cramping subsides. If
on resuming the flow of enema fluid the client continues to report cramping or inability
to retain further fluid, the nurse should discontinue the enema
A client is admitted to the hospital for diagnostic testing to rule out colorectal cancer.
Which intervention should the nurse include on the plan of care?
a) Test all stools for occult blood.
b) Prepare the client for a gastrostomy tube placement.
c) Administer topical ointment to the rectal area to decrease bleeding.
d) Administer morphine routinely, as ordered. - ANSWER Test all stools for occult
blood.
Correct
Explanation:
Blood in the stools is one of the warning signs of colorectal cancer. The nurse should
plan on checking all stools for both frank and occult blood.
A physician orders spironolactone, 50 mg by mouth four times daily, for a client with
fluid retention caused by cirrhosis. Which finding indicates that the drug is producing a
therapeutic effect?
, a) Serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
b) Serum sodium level of 135 mEq/L
c) Loss of 2.2 lb (1 kg) in 24 hours
d) Blood pH of 7.25 - ANSWER Loss of 2.2 lb (1 kg) in 24 hours
Correct
Explanation:
Daily weight measurement is the most accurate indicator of fluid status; a loss of 2.2 lb
(1 kg) indicates loss of 1 L of fluid. Because spironolactone is a diuretic, weight loss is
the best indicator of its effectiveness.
The nurse is irrigating a client's colostomy. The client has abdominal cramping after
receiving about 100 ml of the irrigating solution. The nurse should first:
a) Remove the irrigation tube.
b) Massage the abdomen gently.
c) Stop the flow of solution.
d) Reposition the client on to the right side. - ANSWER Stop the flow of solution.
Correct
Explanation:
The abdominal cramping that can occur during colostomy irrigation results from
stimulation of the colon by the irrigating solution. The nurse's first response should be to
temporarily stop the flow of solution to allow the cramping to subside.
The client has a nursing diagnosis of Constipation related to decreased mobility
secondary to traction. A plan of care that incorporates which of the following breakfasts
would be most helpful in reestablishing a normal bowel routine?
a) An orange, raisin bran and milk, and wheat toast with butter.
b) Corn flakes with sliced banana, milk, and English muffin and jelly.
c) Eggs and bacon, buttered white toast, orange juice, and coffee.
With Complete Answers
A client with an esophageal stricture is about to undergo esophageal dilatation. As the
bougies are passed down the esophagus, the nurse should instruct the client to do
which action to minimize the vomiting urge?
a) Hold his breath
b) Pant like a dog
c) Bear down as if having a bowel movement
d) Take long, slow breaths - ANSWER Take long, slow breaths
Correct
Explanation:
During passage of the bougies used to dilate the esophagus, the client should take long,
slow breaths to minimize the vomiting urge.
A nurse is providing dietary instructions to a client with a history of pancreatitis. Which
of the following instructions would be most appropriate?
a) Maintain a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet.
b) Maintain a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet.
c) Maintain a low-carbohydrate, low-fat diet.
d) Maintain a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet. - ANSWER Maintain a high-carbohydrate,
low-fat diet.
Explanation:
A client with a history of pancreatitis should avoid foods and beverages that stimulate
the pancreas, such as fatty foods, caffeine, and gas-forming foods; should avoid eating
large meals; and should eat plenty of carbohydrates, which are easily metabolized.
Therefore, the only correct instruction is to maintain a high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet.
,A home care nurse is caring for a client with complaints of epigastric discomfort who is
scheduled for a barium swallow. Which statement by the client indicates an
understanding of the test?
a) "I'll take a laxative to clear my bowels before the test."
b) "There is no need for special preparation before the test."
c) "I'll avoid eating or drinking anything 6 to 8 hours before the test."
d) "I'll drink full liquids the day before the test." - ANSWER "I'll avoid eating or drinking
anything 6 to 8 hours before the test."
Correct
Explanation:
The client demonstrates understanding of a barium swallow when he states that he must
refrain from eating or drinking for 6 to 8 hours before the test. No other preparation is
needed
The nurse monitors a client with cirrhosis for the development of hepatic
encephalopathy. Which would be an indication that hepatic encephalopathy is
developing?
a) decreased mental status
b) labored respirations
c) decreased urine output
d) elevated blood pressure - ANSWER decreased mental status
Explanation:
The client should be monitored closely for changes in mental status. Ammonia has a
toxic effect on central nervous system tissue and produces an altered level of
consciousness, marked by drowsiness and irritability. If this process is unchecked, the
client may lapse into coma.
As the nurse administers a tap water enema, the client begins to have abdominal
,cramping. Which of the following actions should the nurse implement first?
a) Tell the client to hold the breath, and continue infusing the enema.
b) Turn the client onto the back, and continue infusing the enema.
c) Temporarily stop the infusion until the cramping subsides.
d) Stop infusing the enema, and allow the client to evacuate the fluid. - ANSWER
Temporarily stop the infusion until the cramping subsides.
Correct
Explanation:
When the client initially begins to report abdominal cramping during an enema, it is
usually most appropriate to temporarily stop the infusion until the cramping subsides. If
on resuming the flow of enema fluid the client continues to report cramping or inability
to retain further fluid, the nurse should discontinue the enema
A client is admitted to the hospital for diagnostic testing to rule out colorectal cancer.
Which intervention should the nurse include on the plan of care?
a) Test all stools for occult blood.
b) Prepare the client for a gastrostomy tube placement.
c) Administer topical ointment to the rectal area to decrease bleeding.
d) Administer morphine routinely, as ordered. - ANSWER Test all stools for occult
blood.
Correct
Explanation:
Blood in the stools is one of the warning signs of colorectal cancer. The nurse should
plan on checking all stools for both frank and occult blood.
A physician orders spironolactone, 50 mg by mouth four times daily, for a client with
fluid retention caused by cirrhosis. Which finding indicates that the drug is producing a
therapeutic effect?
, a) Serum potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L
b) Serum sodium level of 135 mEq/L
c) Loss of 2.2 lb (1 kg) in 24 hours
d) Blood pH of 7.25 - ANSWER Loss of 2.2 lb (1 kg) in 24 hours
Correct
Explanation:
Daily weight measurement is the most accurate indicator of fluid status; a loss of 2.2 lb
(1 kg) indicates loss of 1 L of fluid. Because spironolactone is a diuretic, weight loss is
the best indicator of its effectiveness.
The nurse is irrigating a client's colostomy. The client has abdominal cramping after
receiving about 100 ml of the irrigating solution. The nurse should first:
a) Remove the irrigation tube.
b) Massage the abdomen gently.
c) Stop the flow of solution.
d) Reposition the client on to the right side. - ANSWER Stop the flow of solution.
Correct
Explanation:
The abdominal cramping that can occur during colostomy irrigation results from
stimulation of the colon by the irrigating solution. The nurse's first response should be to
temporarily stop the flow of solution to allow the cramping to subside.
The client has a nursing diagnosis of Constipation related to decreased mobility
secondary to traction. A plan of care that incorporates which of the following breakfasts
would be most helpful in reestablishing a normal bowel routine?
a) An orange, raisin bran and milk, and wheat toast with butter.
b) Corn flakes with sliced banana, milk, and English muffin and jelly.
c) Eggs and bacon, buttered white toast, orange juice, and coffee.
