Page 1 of 51
ATI MED SURG GASTROINTESTINAL 2026
PRACTICE EXAM COMPLETE (100) CURRENT
TESTING QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
EXPLANATIONS|GUARANTEED PASS.
GASTROINTESTINAL
Prepare confidently for the ATI Med Surg Gastrointestinal Practice
Exam with targeted questions covering anatomy and physiology,
common disorders (GERD, PUD, IBD, hepatitis, pancreatitis,
cholecystitis. This study guide helps reinforce essential medical-
surgical nursing concepts and supports effective ATI exam
preparation. Designed for nursing and healthcare students.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
Section 1: Upper GI Disorders (Questions 1–15)
1. A client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is
prescribed omeprazole (Prilosec). The nurse should instruct
the client to take this medication at what time?
A) When symptoms occur
B) With meals
C) At bedtime
D) 30–60 minutes before the first meal of the day
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Answer: D. 30–60 minutes before the first meal of the day
Explanation: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
that works best when taken on an empty stomach,
approximately 30–60 minutes before a meal (typically
breakfast). This timing maximizes the drug’s effect on active
proton pumps.
2. A client with GERD reports awakening at night with a sour
taste and coughing. Which recommendation should the
nurse make?
A) Sleep on the right side
B) Elevate the head of the bed on 6- to 8-inch blocks
C) Eat a small snack before bedtime
D) Drink a glass of warm milk at bedtime
Answer: B. Elevate the head of the bed on 6- to 8-inch blocks
Explanation: Elevating the head of the bed uses gravity to
reduce nocturnal reflux. Sleeping on the right side can
actually worsen reflux. Eating or drinking before bed
stimulates gastric acid and should be avoided for 2–3 hours
before lying down.
3. The nurse is teaching a client with peptic ulcer disease
(PUD) about lifestyle modifications. Which statement by the
client indicates understanding?
A) “I will take ibuprofen for headaches.”
B) “I should avoid all spicy foods.”
C) “I will stop smoking cigarettes.”
D) “I can have a glass of wine with dinner.”
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Answer: C. “I will stop smoking cigarettes.”
Explanation: Smoking impairs mucosal blood flow, delays
ulcer healing, and increases recurrence. NSAIDs (ibuprofen)
worsen PUD. Alcohol and spicy foods may exacerbate
symptoms but are not universal triggers; smoking cessation
is a high-priority intervention.
4. A client with acute gastritis is NPO. The nurse should
assess for which priority finding?
A) Constipation
B) Signs of hypovolemia (tachycardia, hypotension)
C) Hyperactive bowel sounds
D) Elevated serum potassium
Answer: B. Signs of hypovolemia (tachycardia, hypotension)
Explanation: Acute gastritis with vomiting or bleeding can
lead to fluid and blood loss. Hypovolemia is a priority. Bowel
sounds may be normal, and potassium can be low (not high)
due to vomiting.
5. A client with a history of chronic NSAID use is diagnosed
with a gastric ulcer. The nurse should identify which finding
as a potential complication?
A) Constipation
B) Melena (black, tarry stools)
C) Hyperactive bowel sounds
D) Elevated blood glucose
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Answer: B. Melena (black, tarry stools)
Explanation: Gastric ulcers can erode into blood vessels,
causing upper GI bleeding. Blood that passes through the GI
tract becomes dark and tarry (melena). Constipation is not a
typical complication.
6. The nurse is caring for a client who underwent a Billroth II
procedure (gastrojejunostomy) 2 days ago. The client reports
nausea, abdominal distention, and vomiting of green-tinged
fluid. The nurse should suspect:
A) Dumping syndrome
B) Afferent loop syndrome
C) Marginal ulcer
D) Anastomotic leak
Answer: B. Afferent loop syndrome
Explanation: Afferent loop syndrome occurs when the
afferent limb (duodenal stump) becomes obstructed,
causing accumulation of bile and pancreatic secretions,
leading to nausea, distention, and bilious vomiting. Dumping
syndrome causes diarrhea, diaphoresis, and hypotension
after meals.
7. A client with a hiatal hernia asks the nurse to explain the
condition. Which response is most accurate?
A) “It is an outpouching of the esophageal wall.”
B) “It is a twisting of the stomach on itself.”
C) “Part of the stomach protrudes upward through the
ATI MED SURG GASTROINTESTINAL 2026
PRACTICE EXAM COMPLETE (100) CURRENT
TESTING QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS WITH DETAILED
EXPLANATIONS|GUARANTEED PASS.
GASTROINTESTINAL
Prepare confidently for the ATI Med Surg Gastrointestinal Practice
Exam with targeted questions covering anatomy and physiology,
common disorders (GERD, PUD, IBD, hepatitis, pancreatitis,
cholecystitis. This study guide helps reinforce essential medical-
surgical nursing concepts and supports effective ATI exam
preparation. Designed for nursing and healthcare students.
MULTIPLE CHOICE.
Section 1: Upper GI Disorders (Questions 1–15)
1. A client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is
prescribed omeprazole (Prilosec). The nurse should instruct
the client to take this medication at what time?
A) When symptoms occur
B) With meals
C) At bedtime
D) 30–60 minutes before the first meal of the day
, Page 2 of 51
Answer: D. 30–60 minutes before the first meal of the day
Explanation: Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)
that works best when taken on an empty stomach,
approximately 30–60 minutes before a meal (typically
breakfast). This timing maximizes the drug’s effect on active
proton pumps.
2. A client with GERD reports awakening at night with a sour
taste and coughing. Which recommendation should the
nurse make?
A) Sleep on the right side
B) Elevate the head of the bed on 6- to 8-inch blocks
C) Eat a small snack before bedtime
D) Drink a glass of warm milk at bedtime
Answer: B. Elevate the head of the bed on 6- to 8-inch blocks
Explanation: Elevating the head of the bed uses gravity to
reduce nocturnal reflux. Sleeping on the right side can
actually worsen reflux. Eating or drinking before bed
stimulates gastric acid and should be avoided for 2–3 hours
before lying down.
3. The nurse is teaching a client with peptic ulcer disease
(PUD) about lifestyle modifications. Which statement by the
client indicates understanding?
A) “I will take ibuprofen for headaches.”
B) “I should avoid all spicy foods.”
C) “I will stop smoking cigarettes.”
D) “I can have a glass of wine with dinner.”
, Page 3 of 51
Answer: C. “I will stop smoking cigarettes.”
Explanation: Smoking impairs mucosal blood flow, delays
ulcer healing, and increases recurrence. NSAIDs (ibuprofen)
worsen PUD. Alcohol and spicy foods may exacerbate
symptoms but are not universal triggers; smoking cessation
is a high-priority intervention.
4. A client with acute gastritis is NPO. The nurse should
assess for which priority finding?
A) Constipation
B) Signs of hypovolemia (tachycardia, hypotension)
C) Hyperactive bowel sounds
D) Elevated serum potassium
Answer: B. Signs of hypovolemia (tachycardia, hypotension)
Explanation: Acute gastritis with vomiting or bleeding can
lead to fluid and blood loss. Hypovolemia is a priority. Bowel
sounds may be normal, and potassium can be low (not high)
due to vomiting.
5. A client with a history of chronic NSAID use is diagnosed
with a gastric ulcer. The nurse should identify which finding
as a potential complication?
A) Constipation
B) Melena (black, tarry stools)
C) Hyperactive bowel sounds
D) Elevated blood glucose
, Page 4 of 51
Answer: B. Melena (black, tarry stools)
Explanation: Gastric ulcers can erode into blood vessels,
causing upper GI bleeding. Blood that passes through the GI
tract becomes dark and tarry (melena). Constipation is not a
typical complication.
6. The nurse is caring for a client who underwent a Billroth II
procedure (gastrojejunostomy) 2 days ago. The client reports
nausea, abdominal distention, and vomiting of green-tinged
fluid. The nurse should suspect:
A) Dumping syndrome
B) Afferent loop syndrome
C) Marginal ulcer
D) Anastomotic leak
Answer: B. Afferent loop syndrome
Explanation: Afferent loop syndrome occurs when the
afferent limb (duodenal stump) becomes obstructed,
causing accumulation of bile and pancreatic secretions,
leading to nausea, distention, and bilious vomiting. Dumping
syndrome causes diarrhea, diaphoresis, and hypotension
after meals.
7. A client with a hiatal hernia asks the nurse to explain the
condition. Which response is most accurate?
A) “It is an outpouching of the esophageal wall.”
B) “It is a twisting of the stomach on itself.”
C) “Part of the stomach protrudes upward through the
