Med Surg Gastrointestinal NCLEX
Questions
A home care nurse is visiting a client with a diagnosis of pernicious anemia that
developed as a result of gastric surgery. The nurse instructs the client that in this
disorder because the stomach lining produces a decreased amount of a substance
known as the intrinsic factor, the client will need which medication?
A. Vitamin B12 injections
B. Vitamin B6 injections
C. An antibiotic
D. An antacid - CORRECT ANSWER-A. Vitamin B12 injections
Rationale:
A lack of the intrinsic factor needed to absorb vitamin B12 is a feature of pernicious
anemia. Vitamin B12 is needed for the maturation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is not
specifically lacking in pernicious anemia and can be taken orally. An antibiotic and
antacids may be prescribed for certain types of gastric ulcers.
A client arrives at the hospital emergency department complaining of acute right lower
quadrant abdominal pain. Appendicitis is suspected, and appropriate laboratory tests
are performed. The emergency department nurse reviews the test results and notes that
the client's white blood cell (WBC) count is elevated. The nurse also reviews the
prescriptions from the health care provider (HCP). The nurse should contact the HCP to
question which prescription if noted in the client's record?
A. Maintain a semi Fowler's position.
B. Maintain on NPO (nothing by mouth) status.
C.Apply a heating pad to the lower abdomen for comfort.
D. Initiate an intravenous (IV) line with the administration of IV fluids. - CORRECT
ANSWER-C.Apply a heating pad to the lower abdomen for comfort.
Rationale:
Appendicitis should be suspected in a client with an elevated WBC count who is
complaining of acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain. A semi Fowler's position is
maintained for comfort. The client would be on NPO status and given IV fluids in
preparation for possible surgery. Heat should never be applied to the abdomen because
this may increase circulation to the appendix, potentially leading to increased
inflammation and perforation.
,The nurse is planning to teach a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
about substances to avoid. Which items should the nurse include on this list? Select all
that apply.
A. Coffee
B. Chocolate
C. Peppermint
D. Nonfat milk
E. Fried chicken
F. Scrambled eggs - CORRECT ANSWER-A. Coffee
B. Chocolate
C. Peppermint
E. Fried chicken
Rationale:
Foods that decrease lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and irritate the
esophagus will increase reflux and exacerbate the symptoms of GERD and therefore
should be avoided. Aggravating substances include coffee, chocolate, peppermint, fried
or fatty foods, carbonated beverages, and alcohol. Options 4 and 6 do not promote this
effect.
A client has undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The nurse should place highest
priority on which item as part of the client's care plan?
1. Monitoring the temperature
2. Monitoring complaints of heartburn
3. Giving warm gargles for a sore throat
4. Assessing for the return of the gag reflex - CORRECT ANSWER-4. Assessing for the
return of the gag reflex
Rationale:
The nurse places highest priority on assessing for return of the gag reflex. This
assessment addresses the client's airway. The nurse also monitors the client's vital
signs and for a sudden increase in temperature, which could indicate perforation of the
gastrointestinal tract. This complication would be accompanied by other signs as well,
such as pain. Monitoring for sore throat and heartburn are also important; however, the
client's airway is the priority.
The nurse is providing dietary teaching for a client with a diagnosis of chronic gastritis.
The nurse instructs the client to include which foods rich in vitamin B12 in the diet?
Select all that apply.
A. Nuts
B. Corn
C. Liver
,D. Apples
E. Lentils
F. Bananas - CORRECT ANSWER-A. Nuts
C. Liver
E. Lentils
Rationale:
Chronic gastritis causes deterioration and atrophy of the lining of the stomach, leading
to the loss of function of the parietal cells. The source of intrinsic factor is lost, which
results in an inability to absorb vitamin B12, leading to development of pernicious
anemia. Clients must increase their intake of vitamin B12 by increasing consumption of
foods rich in this vitamin, such as nuts, organ meats, dried beans, citrus fruits, green
leafy vegetables, and yeast.
The nurse is monitoring a client with a diagnosis of peptic ulcer. Which assessment
finding would most likely indicate perforation of the ulcer?
A. Bradycardia
B. Numbness in the legs
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. A rigid, boardlike abdomen - CORRECT ANSWER-D. A rigid, boardlike abdomen
Rationale:
Perforation of an ulcer is a surgical emergency and is characterized by sudden, sharp,
intolerable severe pain beginning in the mid-epigastric area and spreading over the
abdomen, which becomes rigid and boardlike. Nausea and vomiting may occur.
Tachycardia may occur as hypovolemic shock develops. Numbness in the legs is not an
associated finding.
The nurse is caring for a client following a gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II procedure).
Which postoperative prescription should the nurse question and verify?
A. Leg exercises
B. Early ambulation
C. Irrigating the nasogastric tube
D. Coughing and deep-breathing exercises - CORRECT ANSWER-C. Irrigating the
nasogastric tube
Rationale:
In a gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II procedure), the proximal remnant of the stomach is
anastomosed to the proximal jejunum. Patency of the nasogastric tube is critical for
preventing the retention of gastric secretions. The nurse should never irrigate or
reposition the gastric tube after gastric surgery, unless specifically prescribed by the
health care provider. In this situation, the nurse should clarify the prescription. Options
1, 2, and 4 are appropriate postoperative interventions.
, The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client following gastrectomy and
should instruct the client to take which measure to assist in preventing dumping
syndrome?
A. Ambulate following a meal.
B. Eat high-carbohydrate foods.
C. Limit the fluids taken with meals.
D. Sit in a high Fowler's position during meals. - CORRECT ANSWER-C. Limit the fluids
taken with meals.
Rationale:
Dumping syndrome is a term that refers to a constellation of vasomotor symptoms that
occurs after eating, especially following a gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II procedure).
Early manifestations usually occur within 30 minutes of eating and include vertigo,
tachycardia, syncope, sweating, pallor, palpitations, and the desire to lie down. 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 is monitoring a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis
who is scheduled for surgery in 2 hours. The client begins to complain of increased
abdominal pain and begins to vomit. On assessment, the nurse notes that the abdomen
is distended and bowel sounds are diminished. Which is the most appropriate nursing
intervention?
A. Notify the health care provider (HCP).
B. Administer the prescribed pain medication.
C. Call and ask the operating room team to perform surgery as soon as possible.
D. Reposition the client and apply a heating pad on the warm setting to the client's
abdomen. - CORRECT ANSWER-A. Notify the health care provider (HCP).
Rationale:
On the basis of the signs and symptoms presented in the question, the nurse should
suspect peritonitis and notify the HCP. Administering pain medication is not an
appropriate intervention. Heat should never be applied to the abdomen of a client with
suspected appendicitis because of the risk of rupture. Scheduling surgical time is not
within the scope of nursing practice, although the HCP probably would perform the
surgery earlier than the prescheduled time.
A client has just had a hemorrhoidectomy. Which nursing interventions are appropriate
for this client? Select all that apply.
Questions
A home care nurse is visiting a client with a diagnosis of pernicious anemia that
developed as a result of gastric surgery. The nurse instructs the client that in this
disorder because the stomach lining produces a decreased amount of a substance
known as the intrinsic factor, the client will need which medication?
A. Vitamin B12 injections
B. Vitamin B6 injections
C. An antibiotic
D. An antacid - CORRECT ANSWER-A. Vitamin B12 injections
Rationale:
A lack of the intrinsic factor needed to absorb vitamin B12 is a feature of pernicious
anemia. Vitamin B12 is needed for the maturation of red blood cells. Vitamin B6 is not
specifically lacking in pernicious anemia and can be taken orally. An antibiotic and
antacids may be prescribed for certain types of gastric ulcers.
A client arrives at the hospital emergency department complaining of acute right lower
quadrant abdominal pain. Appendicitis is suspected, and appropriate laboratory tests
are performed. The emergency department nurse reviews the test results and notes that
the client's white blood cell (WBC) count is elevated. The nurse also reviews the
prescriptions from the health care provider (HCP). The nurse should contact the HCP to
question which prescription if noted in the client's record?
A. Maintain a semi Fowler's position.
B. Maintain on NPO (nothing by mouth) status.
C.Apply a heating pad to the lower abdomen for comfort.
D. Initiate an intravenous (IV) line with the administration of IV fluids. - CORRECT
ANSWER-C.Apply a heating pad to the lower abdomen for comfort.
Rationale:
Appendicitis should be suspected in a client with an elevated WBC count who is
complaining of acute right lower quadrant abdominal pain. A semi Fowler's position is
maintained for comfort. The client would be on NPO status and given IV fluids in
preparation for possible surgery. Heat should never be applied to the abdomen because
this may increase circulation to the appendix, potentially leading to increased
inflammation and perforation.
,The nurse is planning to teach a client with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
about substances to avoid. Which items should the nurse include on this list? Select all
that apply.
A. Coffee
B. Chocolate
C. Peppermint
D. Nonfat milk
E. Fried chicken
F. Scrambled eggs - CORRECT ANSWER-A. Coffee
B. Chocolate
C. Peppermint
E. Fried chicken
Rationale:
Foods that decrease lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and irritate the
esophagus will increase reflux and exacerbate the symptoms of GERD and therefore
should be avoided. Aggravating substances include coffee, chocolate, peppermint, fried
or fatty foods, carbonated beverages, and alcohol. Options 4 and 6 do not promote this
effect.
A client has undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The nurse should place highest
priority on which item as part of the client's care plan?
1. Monitoring the temperature
2. Monitoring complaints of heartburn
3. Giving warm gargles for a sore throat
4. Assessing for the return of the gag reflex - CORRECT ANSWER-4. Assessing for the
return of the gag reflex
Rationale:
The nurse places highest priority on assessing for return of the gag reflex. This
assessment addresses the client's airway. The nurse also monitors the client's vital
signs and for a sudden increase in temperature, which could indicate perforation of the
gastrointestinal tract. This complication would be accompanied by other signs as well,
such as pain. Monitoring for sore throat and heartburn are also important; however, the
client's airway is the priority.
The nurse is providing dietary teaching for a client with a diagnosis of chronic gastritis.
The nurse instructs the client to include which foods rich in vitamin B12 in the diet?
Select all that apply.
A. Nuts
B. Corn
C. Liver
,D. Apples
E. Lentils
F. Bananas - CORRECT ANSWER-A. Nuts
C. Liver
E. Lentils
Rationale:
Chronic gastritis causes deterioration and atrophy of the lining of the stomach, leading
to the loss of function of the parietal cells. The source of intrinsic factor is lost, which
results in an inability to absorb vitamin B12, leading to development of pernicious
anemia. Clients must increase their intake of vitamin B12 by increasing consumption of
foods rich in this vitamin, such as nuts, organ meats, dried beans, citrus fruits, green
leafy vegetables, and yeast.
The nurse is monitoring a client with a diagnosis of peptic ulcer. Which assessment
finding would most likely indicate perforation of the ulcer?
A. Bradycardia
B. Numbness in the legs
C. Nausea and vomiting
D. A rigid, boardlike abdomen - CORRECT ANSWER-D. A rigid, boardlike abdomen
Rationale:
Perforation of an ulcer is a surgical emergency and is characterized by sudden, sharp,
intolerable severe pain beginning in the mid-epigastric area and spreading over the
abdomen, which becomes rigid and boardlike. Nausea and vomiting may occur.
Tachycardia may occur as hypovolemic shock develops. Numbness in the legs is not an
associated finding.
The nurse is caring for a client following a gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II procedure).
Which postoperative prescription should the nurse question and verify?
A. Leg exercises
B. Early ambulation
C. Irrigating the nasogastric tube
D. Coughing and deep-breathing exercises - CORRECT ANSWER-C. Irrigating the
nasogastric tube
Rationale:
In a gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II procedure), the proximal remnant of the stomach is
anastomosed to the proximal jejunum. Patency of the nasogastric tube is critical for
preventing the retention of gastric secretions. The nurse should never irrigate or
reposition the gastric tube after gastric surgery, unless specifically prescribed by the
health care provider. In this situation, the nurse should clarify the prescription. Options
1, 2, and 4 are appropriate postoperative interventions.
, The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client following gastrectomy and
should instruct the client to take which measure to assist in preventing dumping
syndrome?
A. Ambulate following a meal.
B. Eat high-carbohydrate foods.
C. Limit the fluids taken with meals.
D. Sit in a high Fowler's position during meals. - CORRECT ANSWER-C. Limit the fluids
taken with meals.
Rationale:
Dumping syndrome is a term that refers to a constellation of vasomotor symptoms that
occurs after eating, especially following a gastrojejunostomy (Billroth II procedure).
Early manifestations usually occur within 30 minutes of eating and include vertigo,
tachycardia, syncope, sweating, pallor, palpitations, and the desire to lie down. 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 is monitoring a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis
who is scheduled for surgery in 2 hours. The client begins to complain of increased
abdominal pain and begins to vomit. On assessment, the nurse notes that the abdomen
is distended and bowel sounds are diminished. Which is the most appropriate nursing
intervention?
A. Notify the health care provider (HCP).
B. Administer the prescribed pain medication.
C. Call and ask the operating room team to perform surgery as soon as possible.
D. Reposition the client and apply a heating pad on the warm setting to the client's
abdomen. - CORRECT ANSWER-A. Notify the health care provider (HCP).
Rationale:
On the basis of the signs and symptoms presented in the question, the nurse should
suspect peritonitis and notify the HCP. Administering pain medication is not an
appropriate intervention. Heat should never be applied to the abdomen of a client with
suspected appendicitis because of the risk of rupture. Scheduling surgical time is not
within the scope of nursing practice, although the HCP probably would perform the
surgery earlier than the prescheduled time.
A client has just had a hemorrhoidectomy. Which nursing interventions are appropriate
for this client? Select all that apply.
