GI Disorders 2026 Assessment & Nursing Care Plans

1. A nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Which symptom is most commonly reported? A. Hematuria B. Heartburn C. Polyuria D. Bradycardia Correct Answer: B. Heartburn Rationale: Heartburn is the hallmark symptom of GERD caused by acid reflux into the esophagus. 2. A patient with Crohn’s disease is likely to exhibit which characteristic finding? A. Continuous colon lesions B. Skip lesions throughout the GI tract C. Absence of diarrhea D. Gastric ulcers only Correct Answer: B. Skip lesions throughout the GI tract Rationale: Crohn’s disease commonly causes patchy inflammation called skip lesions. 3. Which electrolyte imbalance is most likely in a patient with persistent vomiting? A. Hypercalcemia B. Hypernatremia C. Hypokalemia D. Hypermagnesemia Correct Answer: C. Hypokalemia Rationale: Vomiting results in potassium loss, increasing the risk for hypokalemia. 4. A patient with peptic ulcer disease suddenly develops severe abdominal pain and rigid abdomen. Which complication should the nurse suspect? A. Constipation B. Ulcer perforation C. Pancreatitis D. Appendicitis Correct Answer: B. Ulcer perforation Rationale: Sudden severe pain and abdominal rigidity suggest perforation of the ulcer. 5. Which instruction should the nurse include for a patient with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)? A. Increase spicy food intake B. Avoid food triggers C. Restrict all fluids D. Eliminate proteins Correct Answer: B. Avoid food triggers Rationale: Avoiding foods that worsen symptoms is essential in IBS management. 6. A patient with appendicitis commonly experiences pain in which location? A. Left upper quadrant B. Right lower quadrant C. Left lower quadrant D. Right upper quadrant Correct Answer: B. Right lower quadrant Rationale: Appendicitis pain usually localizes to the right lower quadrant. 7. Which nursing intervention is the highest priority for a patient with active gastrointestinal bleeding? A. Encourage ambulation B. Monitor vital signs C. Provide high-fiber foods D. Administer laxatives Correct Answer: B. Monitor vital signs Rationale: Monitoring hemodynamic stability is critical due to risk of shock. 8. Which complication is associated with ulcerative colitis? A. Toxic megacolon B. Cataracts C. Pneumonia D. Kidney failure Correct Answer: A. Toxic megacolon Rationale: Toxic megacolon is a serious complication of ulcerative colitis. 9. Hematemesis in a patient with cirrhosis most likely indicates which condition? A. Hemorrhoids B. Esophageal varices C. Appendicitis D. Gastritis only Correct Answer: B. Esophageal varices Rationale: Portal hypertension can lead to varices that rupture and bleed. 10. Which intervention helps prevent constipation? A. Restrict fluids B. Increase exercise C. Delay bowel movements D. Avoid fiber Correct Answer: B. Increase exercise Rationale: Physical activity stimulates bowel motility. 11. A patient with pancreatitis should avoid which substance? A. Water B. Alcohol C. Protein D. Calcium Correct Answer: B. Alcohol Rationale: Alcohol worsens pancreatic inflammation. 12. Which assessment finding is expected in dehydration caused by diarrhea? A. Bradycardia B. Hypotension C. Weight gain D. Bounding pulse Correct Answer: B. Hypotension Rationale: Fluid loss commonly causes low blood pressure. 13. Cholecystitis commonly causes pain in which area? A. Left lower quadrant B. Right upper quadrant C. Periumbilical region D. Suprapubic area Correct Answer: B. Right upper quadrant Rationale: Gallbladder inflammation causes right upper quadrant pain. 14. A patient with celiac disease should avoid which food? A. Rice B. Corn C. Wheat bread D. Potatoes Correct Answer: C. Wheat bread Rationale: Wheat contains gluten, which triggers symptoms in celiac disease. 15. Which finding in hepatitis is most concerning? A. Jaundice B. Fatigue C. Confusion D. Nausea Correct Answer: C. Confusion Rationale: Confusion may indicate hepatic encephalopathy. 16. Which diet is commonly prescribed during acute diverticulitis? A. High-fiber diet B. Clear liquid diet C. High-fat diet D. Regular diet Correct Answer: B. Clear liquid diet Rationale: Clear liquids reduce bowel stimulation during inflammation.