GI NCLEX Questions Questions With All Correct
Answers
Which of the following conditions can cause a hiatal hernia?
A. Increased intrathoracic pressure
B. Weakness of the esophageal muscle
C. Increased esophageal muscle pressure
D. Weakness of the diaphragmic muscle correct answer -D
A hiatal hernia is caused by weakness of the diaphragmic muscle and
increased intra-abdominal—not intrathoracic—pressure. This weakness
allows the stomach to slide into the esophagus. The esophageal supports
weaken, but esophageal muscle weakness or increased esophageal muscle
pressure isn't a factor in hiatal hernia.
Risk factors for the development of hiatal hernias are those that lead to
increased abdominal pressure. Which of the following complications can
cause increased abdominal pressure?
A. Obesity
B. Volvulus
C. Constipation
D. Intestinal obstruction correct answer -A
Obesity may cause increased abdominal pressure that pushes the lower
portion of the stomach into the thorax.
Which of the following symptoms is common with a hiatal hernia?
A. Left arm pain
B. Lower back pain
C. Esophageal reflux
D. Abdominal cramping correct answer -C
Esophageal reflux is a common symptom of hiatal hernia. This seems to be
associated with chronic exposure of the lower esophageal sphincter to the
lower pressure of the thorax, making it less effective.
Which of the following tests can be performed to diagnose a hiatal hernia?
,A. Colonoscopy
B. Lower GI series
C. Barium swallow
D. Abdominal x-rays correct answer -C
A barium swallow with fluoroscopy shows the position of the stomach in
relation to the diaphragm. A colonoscopy and a lower GI series show
disorders of the intestine.
Which of the following measures should the nurse focus on for the client with
esophageal varices?
A. Recognizing hemorrhage
B. Controlling blood pressure
C. Encouraging nutritional intake
D. Teaching the client about varices correct answer -A
Recognizing the rupture of esophageal varices, or hemorrhage, is the focus of
nursing care because the client could succumb to this quickly. Controlling
blood pressure is also important because it helps reduce the risk of variceal
rupture. It is also important to teach the client what varices are and what
foods he should avoid such as spicy foods.
Which of the following tests can be used to diagnose ulcers?
A. Abdominal x-ray
B. Barium swallow
C. Computed tomography (CT) scan
D. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) correct answer -D
The EGD can visualize the entire upper GI tract as well as allow for tissue
specimens and electrocautery if needed. The barium swallow could locate a
gastric ulcer. A CT scan and an abdominal x-ray aren't useful in the diagnosis
of an ulcer.
Which of the following best describes the method of action of medications,
such as ranitidine (Zantac), which are used in the treatment of peptic ulcer
disease?
A. Neutralize acid
B. Reduce acid secretions
C. Stimulate gastrin release
,D. Protect the mucosal barrier correct answer -B
Ranitidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist that reduces acid secretion by
inhibiting gastrin secretion.
The hospitalized client with GERD is complaining of chest discomfort that
feels like heartburn following a meal. After administering an ordered antacid,
the nurse encourages the client to lie in which of the following positions?
A. Supine with the head of the bed flat
B. On the stomach with the head flat
C. On the left side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees
D. On the right side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees correct
answer -C
The discomfort of reflux is aggravated by positions that compress the
abdomen and the stomach. These include lying flat on the back or on the
stomach after a meal of lying on the right side. The left side-lying position with
the head of the bed elevated is most likely to give relief to the client.
The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client following
gastrectomy. Which measure will the nurse instruct the client to follow to
assist in preventing dumping syndrome?
A. Eat high-carbohydrate foods
B. Limit the fluids taken with meals
C. Ambulate following a meal
D. Sit in a high-Fowlers position during meals correct answer -B
The nurse should instruct the client to decrease the amount of fluid taken at
meals and to avoid high carbohydrate foods including fluids such as fruit
nectars; to assume a low-Fowler's position during meals; to lie down for 30
minutes after eating to delay gastric emptying; and to take antispasmodics as
prescribed.
The nurse instructs the nursing assistant on how to provide oral hygiene for a
client who cannot perform this task for himself. Which of the following
techniques should the nurse tell the assistant to incorporate into the client's
daily care?
, A. Assess the oral cavity each time mouth care is given and record
observations
B. Use a soft toothbrush to brush the client's teeth after each meal
C. Swab the client's tongue, gums, and lips with a soft foam applicator every 2
hours
D. Rinse the client's mouth with mouthwash several times a day correct
answer -B
A soft toothbrush should be used to brush the client's teeth after each meal
and more often as needed. Mechanical cleaning is necessary to maintain oral
health, simulate gingiva, and remove plaque. Assessing the oral cavity and
recording observations is the responsibility of the nurse, not the nursing
assistant. Swabbing with a safe foam applicator does not provide enough
friction to clean the mouth. Mouthwash can be a drying irritant and is not
recommended for frequent use.
A client with suspected gastric cancer undergoes an endoscopy of the
stomach. Which of the following assessments made after the procedure would
indicate the development of a potential complication?
A. The client complains of a sore throat
B. The client displays signs of sedation
C. The client experiences a sudden increase in temperature
D. The client demonstrates a lack of appetite correct answer -C
The most likely complication of an endoscopic procedure is perforation. A
sudden temperature spike with 1 to 2 hours after the procedure is indicative
of a perforation and should be reported immediately to the physician. A sore
throat is to be anticipated after an endoscopy. Clients are given sedatives
during the procedure, so it is expected that they will display signs of sedation
after the procedure is completed. A lack of appetite could be the result of
many factors, including the disease process.
After a subtotal gastrectomy, the nurse should anticipate that nasogastric tube
drainage will be what color for about 12 to 24 hours after surgery?
A. Dark brown
B. Bile green
C. Bright red
D. Cloudy white correct answer -A
Answers
Which of the following conditions can cause a hiatal hernia?
A. Increased intrathoracic pressure
B. Weakness of the esophageal muscle
C. Increased esophageal muscle pressure
D. Weakness of the diaphragmic muscle correct answer -D
A hiatal hernia is caused by weakness of the diaphragmic muscle and
increased intra-abdominal—not intrathoracic—pressure. This weakness
allows the stomach to slide into the esophagus. The esophageal supports
weaken, but esophageal muscle weakness or increased esophageal muscle
pressure isn't a factor in hiatal hernia.
Risk factors for the development of hiatal hernias are those that lead to
increased abdominal pressure. Which of the following complications can
cause increased abdominal pressure?
A. Obesity
B. Volvulus
C. Constipation
D. Intestinal obstruction correct answer -A
Obesity may cause increased abdominal pressure that pushes the lower
portion of the stomach into the thorax.
Which of the following symptoms is common with a hiatal hernia?
A. Left arm pain
B. Lower back pain
C. Esophageal reflux
D. Abdominal cramping correct answer -C
Esophageal reflux is a common symptom of hiatal hernia. This seems to be
associated with chronic exposure of the lower esophageal sphincter to the
lower pressure of the thorax, making it less effective.
Which of the following tests can be performed to diagnose a hiatal hernia?
,A. Colonoscopy
B. Lower GI series
C. Barium swallow
D. Abdominal x-rays correct answer -C
A barium swallow with fluoroscopy shows the position of the stomach in
relation to the diaphragm. A colonoscopy and a lower GI series show
disorders of the intestine.
Which of the following measures should the nurse focus on for the client with
esophageal varices?
A. Recognizing hemorrhage
B. Controlling blood pressure
C. Encouraging nutritional intake
D. Teaching the client about varices correct answer -A
Recognizing the rupture of esophageal varices, or hemorrhage, is the focus of
nursing care because the client could succumb to this quickly. Controlling
blood pressure is also important because it helps reduce the risk of variceal
rupture. It is also important to teach the client what varices are and what
foods he should avoid such as spicy foods.
Which of the following tests can be used to diagnose ulcers?
A. Abdominal x-ray
B. Barium swallow
C. Computed tomography (CT) scan
D. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) correct answer -D
The EGD can visualize the entire upper GI tract as well as allow for tissue
specimens and electrocautery if needed. The barium swallow could locate a
gastric ulcer. A CT scan and an abdominal x-ray aren't useful in the diagnosis
of an ulcer.
Which of the following best describes the method of action of medications,
such as ranitidine (Zantac), which are used in the treatment of peptic ulcer
disease?
A. Neutralize acid
B. Reduce acid secretions
C. Stimulate gastrin release
,D. Protect the mucosal barrier correct answer -B
Ranitidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist that reduces acid secretion by
inhibiting gastrin secretion.
The hospitalized client with GERD is complaining of chest discomfort that
feels like heartburn following a meal. After administering an ordered antacid,
the nurse encourages the client to lie in which of the following positions?
A. Supine with the head of the bed flat
B. On the stomach with the head flat
C. On the left side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees
D. On the right side with the head of the bed elevated 30 degrees correct
answer -C
The discomfort of reflux is aggravated by positions that compress the
abdomen and the stomach. These include lying flat on the back or on the
stomach after a meal of lying on the right side. The left side-lying position with
the head of the bed elevated is most likely to give relief to the client.
The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client following
gastrectomy. Which measure will the nurse instruct the client to follow to
assist in preventing dumping syndrome?
A. Eat high-carbohydrate foods
B. Limit the fluids taken with meals
C. Ambulate following a meal
D. Sit in a high-Fowlers position during meals correct answer -B
The nurse should instruct the client to decrease the amount of fluid taken at
meals and to avoid high carbohydrate foods including fluids such as fruit
nectars; to assume a low-Fowler's position during meals; to lie down for 30
minutes after eating to delay gastric emptying; and to take antispasmodics as
prescribed.
The nurse instructs the nursing assistant on how to provide oral hygiene for a
client who cannot perform this task for himself. Which of the following
techniques should the nurse tell the assistant to incorporate into the client's
daily care?
, A. Assess the oral cavity each time mouth care is given and record
observations
B. Use a soft toothbrush to brush the client's teeth after each meal
C. Swab the client's tongue, gums, and lips with a soft foam applicator every 2
hours
D. Rinse the client's mouth with mouthwash several times a day correct
answer -B
A soft toothbrush should be used to brush the client's teeth after each meal
and more often as needed. Mechanical cleaning is necessary to maintain oral
health, simulate gingiva, and remove plaque. Assessing the oral cavity and
recording observations is the responsibility of the nurse, not the nursing
assistant. Swabbing with a safe foam applicator does not provide enough
friction to clean the mouth. Mouthwash can be a drying irritant and is not
recommended for frequent use.
A client with suspected gastric cancer undergoes an endoscopy of the
stomach. Which of the following assessments made after the procedure would
indicate the development of a potential complication?
A. The client complains of a sore throat
B. The client displays signs of sedation
C. The client experiences a sudden increase in temperature
D. The client demonstrates a lack of appetite correct answer -C
The most likely complication of an endoscopic procedure is perforation. A
sudden temperature spike with 1 to 2 hours after the procedure is indicative
of a perforation and should be reported immediately to the physician. A sore
throat is to be anticipated after an endoscopy. Clients are given sedatives
during the procedure, so it is expected that they will display signs of sedation
after the procedure is completed. A lack of appetite could be the result of
many factors, including the disease process.
After a subtotal gastrectomy, the nurse should anticipate that nasogastric tube
drainage will be what color for about 12 to 24 hours after surgery?
A. Dark brown
B. Bile green
C. Bright red
D. Cloudy white correct answer -A
