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NURS 220 EXAM REVIEW 2026
LATEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS|
ACE YOUR GRADES.
1. A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected peptic ulcer
disease. Which symptom most likely indicates the presence
of a perforation?
a) Hematemesis
b) Hypertension
c) Bradycardia
d) Rebound tenderness
Answer: d) Rebound tenderness
A perforated peptic ulcer can present with severe abdominal pain
and rebound tenderness due to irritation of the peritoneum.
2. During the care of a patient with acute pancreatitis, which
laboratory value should a nurse monitor closely?
a) Calcium level
b) Potassium level
c) Sodium level
d) Glucose level
Answer: a) Calcium level
Hypocalcemia can occur in acute pancreatitis due to fat
saponification and requires close monitoring.
3. A patient presents with a gastrointestinal bleed. What
initial nursing intervention is most critical?
a) Administering an antacid
b) Monitoring input and output
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c) Starting an intravenous line
d) Providing patient education
Answer: c) Starting an intravenous line
For a GI bleed, initial management includes hemodynamic
stabilization, which often requires intravenous access for potential
fluid or blood product administration.
4. What is a key sign of peritonitis that a nurse should assess
for in a patient with abdominal pain?
a) Jaundice
b) Increased bowel sounds
c) Guarding and rigidity
d) Diarrhea
Answer: c) Guarding and rigidity
Guarding and abdominal rigidity are classic signs of peritonitis,
indicating irritation and inflammation of the peritoneum.
5. When managing a patient with an NG tube, which
complication should the nurse be most alert for?
a) Skin breakdown
b) Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
c) Constipation
d) Esophageal varices
Answer: b) Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
NG tube management often involves significant fluid shifts, which
can lead to electrolyte imbalances that need to be monitored and
corrected.
6. A nurse is educating a patient with a history of NSAID-
induced peptic ulcers about the use of Misoprostol. What is
the most important information to include about the
mechanism of action of this medication?
a) Increases gastric pH
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b) Inhibits acid secretion
c) Enhances mucosal blood flow
d) Replaces protective prostaglandins
Answer: d) Replaces protective prostaglandins
Misoprostol is a prostaglandin analogue, which replaces the
protective prostaglandins in the gastric lining that are reduced by
NSAID therapy, thus helping to prevent ulcer formation.
7. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis on long-term NSAID
therapy is prescribed Misoprostol for peptic ulcer
prophylaxis. What is a crucial side effect the nurse should
warn the patient about, especially in women of childbearing
age?
a) Diarrhea
b) Drowsiness
c) Dyspepsia
d) Teratogenicity
Answer: d) Teratogenicity
Misoprostol is contraindicated in pregnant women due to its
teratogenic effects and potential to induce labor; therefore,
women of childbearing age must be counseled on the importance
of effective contraception while taking this medication.
8. A nurse is caring for a patient with Parkinson's disease
who is at risk for falls. What is the most appropriate initial
intervention to prevent falls?
a) Applying physical restraints
b) Administering antiparkinsonian medications
c) Using a bed alarm and having a sitter present
d) Prescribing psychotropic medication to reduce agitation
Answer: c) Using a bed alarm and having a sitter present
The least restrictive measures should be used first to prevent
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falls, such as bed alarms and supervision with a sitter, rather than
restraints, which are contraindicated unless absolutely necessary.
9. When reviewing medications, a nurse notes that a patient
with a peptic ulcer is taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).
What is the primary action of PPIs in the treatment of peptic
ulcers?
a) Neutralize stomach acid
b) Increase mucosal healing
c) Inhibit gastric acid secretion
d) Coat the gastric lining
Answer: c) Inhibit gastric acid secretion
PPIs work by irreversibly inhibiting the hydrogen-potassium
ATPase pump in gastric parietal cells, reducing gastric acid
secretion and aiding in ulcer healing.
10. A nurse is educating a patient about the safe use of
proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Which statement by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
a) "I should take the PPI at least an hour before eating."
b) "I will report any signs of a C. difficile infection."
c) "I can take this medication indefinitely without any risks."
d) "I understand I need to take calcium and vitamin D
supplements."
Answer: c) "I can take this medication indefinitely without any
risks."
This statement indicates a misconception, as long-term PPI use
can be associated with several risks, including vitamin B12
deficiency, osteoporosis, and increased susceptibility to
infections.
11. A patient with peptic ulcer disease is exhibiting signs of
sudden, severe abdominal pain, tachycardia, and
NURS 220 EXAM REVIEW 2026
LATEST QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS|
ACE YOUR GRADES.
1. A nurse is assessing a patient with suspected peptic ulcer
disease. Which symptom most likely indicates the presence
of a perforation?
a) Hematemesis
b) Hypertension
c) Bradycardia
d) Rebound tenderness
Answer: d) Rebound tenderness
A perforated peptic ulcer can present with severe abdominal pain
and rebound tenderness due to irritation of the peritoneum.
2. During the care of a patient with acute pancreatitis, which
laboratory value should a nurse monitor closely?
a) Calcium level
b) Potassium level
c) Sodium level
d) Glucose level
Answer: a) Calcium level
Hypocalcemia can occur in acute pancreatitis due to fat
saponification and requires close monitoring.
3. A patient presents with a gastrointestinal bleed. What
initial nursing intervention is most critical?
a) Administering an antacid
b) Monitoring input and output
, Page | 2
c) Starting an intravenous line
d) Providing patient education
Answer: c) Starting an intravenous line
For a GI bleed, initial management includes hemodynamic
stabilization, which often requires intravenous access for potential
fluid or blood product administration.
4. What is a key sign of peritonitis that a nurse should assess
for in a patient with abdominal pain?
a) Jaundice
b) Increased bowel sounds
c) Guarding and rigidity
d) Diarrhea
Answer: c) Guarding and rigidity
Guarding and abdominal rigidity are classic signs of peritonitis,
indicating irritation and inflammation of the peritoneum.
5. When managing a patient with an NG tube, which
complication should the nurse be most alert for?
a) Skin breakdown
b) Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
c) Constipation
d) Esophageal varices
Answer: b) Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
NG tube management often involves significant fluid shifts, which
can lead to electrolyte imbalances that need to be monitored and
corrected.
6. A nurse is educating a patient with a history of NSAID-
induced peptic ulcers about the use of Misoprostol. What is
the most important information to include about the
mechanism of action of this medication?
a) Increases gastric pH
, Page | 3
b) Inhibits acid secretion
c) Enhances mucosal blood flow
d) Replaces protective prostaglandins
Answer: d) Replaces protective prostaglandins
Misoprostol is a prostaglandin analogue, which replaces the
protective prostaglandins in the gastric lining that are reduced by
NSAID therapy, thus helping to prevent ulcer formation.
7. A patient with rheumatoid arthritis on long-term NSAID
therapy is prescribed Misoprostol for peptic ulcer
prophylaxis. What is a crucial side effect the nurse should
warn the patient about, especially in women of childbearing
age?
a) Diarrhea
b) Drowsiness
c) Dyspepsia
d) Teratogenicity
Answer: d) Teratogenicity
Misoprostol is contraindicated in pregnant women due to its
teratogenic effects and potential to induce labor; therefore,
women of childbearing age must be counseled on the importance
of effective contraception while taking this medication.
8. A nurse is caring for a patient with Parkinson's disease
who is at risk for falls. What is the most appropriate initial
intervention to prevent falls?
a) Applying physical restraints
b) Administering antiparkinsonian medications
c) Using a bed alarm and having a sitter present
d) Prescribing psychotropic medication to reduce agitation
Answer: c) Using a bed alarm and having a sitter present
The least restrictive measures should be used first to prevent
, Page | 4
falls, such as bed alarms and supervision with a sitter, rather than
restraints, which are contraindicated unless absolutely necessary.
9. When reviewing medications, a nurse notes that a patient
with a peptic ulcer is taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI).
What is the primary action of PPIs in the treatment of peptic
ulcers?
a) Neutralize stomach acid
b) Increase mucosal healing
c) Inhibit gastric acid secretion
d) Coat the gastric lining
Answer: c) Inhibit gastric acid secretion
PPIs work by irreversibly inhibiting the hydrogen-potassium
ATPase pump in gastric parietal cells, reducing gastric acid
secretion and aiding in ulcer healing.
10. A nurse is educating a patient about the safe use of
proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). Which statement by the
patient indicates a need for further teaching?
a) "I should take the PPI at least an hour before eating."
b) "I will report any signs of a C. difficile infection."
c) "I can take this medication indefinitely without any risks."
d) "I understand I need to take calcium and vitamin D
supplements."
Answer: c) "I can take this medication indefinitely without any
risks."
This statement indicates a misconception, as long-term PPI use
can be associated with several risks, including vitamin B12
deficiency, osteoporosis, and increased susceptibility to
infections.
11. A patient with peptic ulcer disease is exhibiting signs of
sudden, severe abdominal pain, tachycardia, and
