Med-Surg Gastrointestinal NCLEX Practice Questions |
Actual Exam Questions & 100% Correct Answers | Latest
Update 2026 | NCLEX Exam Prep
1. A nurse in a clinic is teaching a client who has ulcerative colitis. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?
"I will try to eat cold foods rather than warm when my stomach feels
upset."
"I will plan to limit fiber in my diet."
"I will restrict fluid intake during meals."
"I will switch to black tea instead of drinking coffee."
2. Describe why a rigid, boardlike abdomen is significant in the context of
peptic ulcer perforation.
A rigid, boardlike abdomen indicates a successful surgical recovery.
A rigid, boardlike abdomen is a sign of muscle strain.
A rigid, boardlike abdomen indicates peritoneal irritation due to
leakage of gastric contents.
A rigid, boardlike abdomen suggests dehydration from vomiting.
3. A client with hiatal hernia chronically experiences heartburn after meals.
Which should the nurse teach the client to avoid?
Eating small, frequent, bland meals
Lying recumbent after meals
Raising the head of the bed on 6-inch blocks
Taking histamine receptor antagonist medication as prescribed
,4. What dietary practice should a client with chronic dumping syndrome avoid?
Consuming high-protein foods
Taking liquids with meals
Eating large meals
Eating in a semirecumbent position
5. The nurse is caring for a client after Billroth 11 (gastrojejunostomy) procedure.
During review of the postoperative prescriptions, which should the nurse
clarify?
irrigating the NG tube
early ambulation
leg exercises
coughing and deep breathing exercises
6. What is a common postoperative complication associated with Billroth I
gastric surgery that can lead to symptoms like fatigue and numbness?
Pernicious anemia
Bacterial meningitis
Peripheral arterial disease
Stroke
7. Why is it important for the nurse to check the suction device before taking
other actions with a non-draining NG tube?
To assess the patient's overall condition after surgery.
To ensure that the suction is functioning properly, which is essential
for effective drainage.
, To determine if the NG tube is in the correct position.
To prepare for possible surgical intervention.
8. What is the primary nursing intervention for a client with appendicitis showing
signs of increased abdominal pain and vomiting?
Call the operating room team for immediate surgery.
Administer the prescribed pain medication.
Reposition the client and apply a heating pad.
Notify the health care provider (HCP).
9. Why is it important to encourage a high-fiber diet for a client recovering from
a hemorrhoidectomy?
It prevents urinary retention after surgery.
It promotes bowel movements without straining, which is crucial for
healing.
It helps to reduce the risk of infection at the surgical site.
It increases the absorption of nutrients post-surgery.
10. A nurse is instructing a client with a hiatal hernia on management of the
hernia to decrease symptoms. which would be included in discussion?
Lie on your left side to decrease the risk of gastric reflux
Avoid carbohydrate foods especially foods with simple sugars
Lie down immediately after eating to allow complete digestion to
occur
Elevate the head of the bed when lying down and sleeping
Actual Exam Questions & 100% Correct Answers | Latest
Update 2026 | NCLEX Exam Prep
1. A nurse in a clinic is teaching a client who has ulcerative colitis. Which of the
following statements by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?
"I will try to eat cold foods rather than warm when my stomach feels
upset."
"I will plan to limit fiber in my diet."
"I will restrict fluid intake during meals."
"I will switch to black tea instead of drinking coffee."
2. Describe why a rigid, boardlike abdomen is significant in the context of
peptic ulcer perforation.
A rigid, boardlike abdomen indicates a successful surgical recovery.
A rigid, boardlike abdomen is a sign of muscle strain.
A rigid, boardlike abdomen indicates peritoneal irritation due to
leakage of gastric contents.
A rigid, boardlike abdomen suggests dehydration from vomiting.
3. A client with hiatal hernia chronically experiences heartburn after meals.
Which should the nurse teach the client to avoid?
Eating small, frequent, bland meals
Lying recumbent after meals
Raising the head of the bed on 6-inch blocks
Taking histamine receptor antagonist medication as prescribed
,4. What dietary practice should a client with chronic dumping syndrome avoid?
Consuming high-protein foods
Taking liquids with meals
Eating large meals
Eating in a semirecumbent position
5. The nurse is caring for a client after Billroth 11 (gastrojejunostomy) procedure.
During review of the postoperative prescriptions, which should the nurse
clarify?
irrigating the NG tube
early ambulation
leg exercises
coughing and deep breathing exercises
6. What is a common postoperative complication associated with Billroth I
gastric surgery that can lead to symptoms like fatigue and numbness?
Pernicious anemia
Bacterial meningitis
Peripheral arterial disease
Stroke
7. Why is it important for the nurse to check the suction device before taking
other actions with a non-draining NG tube?
To assess the patient's overall condition after surgery.
To ensure that the suction is functioning properly, which is essential
for effective drainage.
, To determine if the NG tube is in the correct position.
To prepare for possible surgical intervention.
8. What is the primary nursing intervention for a client with appendicitis showing
signs of increased abdominal pain and vomiting?
Call the operating room team for immediate surgery.
Administer the prescribed pain medication.
Reposition the client and apply a heating pad.
Notify the health care provider (HCP).
9. Why is it important to encourage a high-fiber diet for a client recovering from
a hemorrhoidectomy?
It prevents urinary retention after surgery.
It promotes bowel movements without straining, which is crucial for
healing.
It helps to reduce the risk of infection at the surgical site.
It increases the absorption of nutrients post-surgery.
10. A nurse is instructing a client with a hiatal hernia on management of the
hernia to decrease symptoms. which would be included in discussion?
Lie on your left side to decrease the risk of gastric reflux
Avoid carbohydrate foods especially foods with simple sugars
Lie down immediately after eating to allow complete digestion to
occur
Elevate the head of the bed when lying down and sleeping
