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GI DISORDERS NCLEX-RN 2025-2026 | PANCREATITIS &
LIVER DISEASE | SAUNDERS 9TH ED CH 49 | 140 REAL
NGN SATA QUESTIONS & RATIONALES | VERIFIED A+
STUDY GUIDE | GUARANTEED PASS RN
Question 1 (SATA)
A client with acute pancreatitis is admitted with severe abdominal pain. Which
nursing interventions are priority? (Select all that apply.)
A. Keep the client NPO
B. Administer IV fluids as prescribed
C. Encourage early ambulation and oral fluids
D. Position the client in semi-Fowler or leaning forward
E. Monitor for respiratory distress and hypoxemia
Correct Answers: A, B, D, E
Rationale:
Acute pancreatitis management focuses on resting the pancreas (NPO),
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aggressive IV hydration, semi-Fowler/leaning forward to reduce pain and
lung pressure, and monitoring for respiratory compromise. Early oral intake
can worsen enzyme secretion and pain.
Question 2 (SATA)
A client with cirrhosis has ascites. Which nursing interventions are appropriate?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Measure abdominal girth daily
B. Weigh the client at the same time each day
C. Restrict sodium intake as prescribed
D. Place in high-Fowler position for comfort
E. Avoid monitoring intake and output
Correct Answers: A, B, C, D
Rationale:
Ascites management includes daily weights, girth measurement, sodium
restriction, and upright positioning to ease breathing. I&O monitoring is
critical; avoiding it is unsafe.
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Question 3 (SATA)
A client with acute liver failure develops hepatic encephalopathy. Which
clinical signs may appear? (Select all that apply.)
A. Confusion and irritability
B. Asterixis (flapping tremor)
C. Sweet or musty breath odor (fetor hepaticus)
D. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
E. Slurred speech
Correct Answers: A, B, C, E
Rationale:
Hepatic encephalopathy presents with confusion, slurred speech, asterixis, and
fetor hepaticus. Reflexes are usually depressed, not hyperactive.
Question 4 (SATA)
A client with acute pancreatitis is receiving education on self-care and
complication prevention. Which instructions are correct? (Select all that apply.)
A. Avoid alcohol completely
B. Follow a low-fat diet when able to eat
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C. Recognize signs of hypocalcemia like tingling
D. Take pancreatic enzymes with meals if prescribed
E. Increase high-protein and high-fat foods for healing
Correct Answers: A, B, C, D
Rationale:
Pancreatitis education includes alcohol abstinence, low-fat diet, calcium
monitoring, and enzyme use if needed. High-fat foods can worsen pancreatic
stimulation.
Question 5 (SATA)
A client with cirrhosis is receiving lactulose. Which nursing actions are correct?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Assess bowel movements for effectiveness
B. Monitor ammonia levels
C. Hold the medication if diarrhea occurs
D. Educate the client on expected loose stools
E. Assess for signs of dehydration
Correct Answers: A, B, D, E
GI DISORDERS NCLEX-RN 2025-2026 | PANCREATITIS &
LIVER DISEASE | SAUNDERS 9TH ED CH 49 | 140 REAL
NGN SATA QUESTIONS & RATIONALES | VERIFIED A+
STUDY GUIDE | GUARANTEED PASS RN
Question 1 (SATA)
A client with acute pancreatitis is admitted with severe abdominal pain. Which
nursing interventions are priority? (Select all that apply.)
A. Keep the client NPO
B. Administer IV fluids as prescribed
C. Encourage early ambulation and oral fluids
D. Position the client in semi-Fowler or leaning forward
E. Monitor for respiratory distress and hypoxemia
Correct Answers: A, B, D, E
Rationale:
Acute pancreatitis management focuses on resting the pancreas (NPO),
, 2
aggressive IV hydration, semi-Fowler/leaning forward to reduce pain and
lung pressure, and monitoring for respiratory compromise. Early oral intake
can worsen enzyme secretion and pain.
Question 2 (SATA)
A client with cirrhosis has ascites. Which nursing interventions are appropriate?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Measure abdominal girth daily
B. Weigh the client at the same time each day
C. Restrict sodium intake as prescribed
D. Place in high-Fowler position for comfort
E. Avoid monitoring intake and output
Correct Answers: A, B, C, D
Rationale:
Ascites management includes daily weights, girth measurement, sodium
restriction, and upright positioning to ease breathing. I&O monitoring is
critical; avoiding it is unsafe.
, 3
Question 3 (SATA)
A client with acute liver failure develops hepatic encephalopathy. Which
clinical signs may appear? (Select all that apply.)
A. Confusion and irritability
B. Asterixis (flapping tremor)
C. Sweet or musty breath odor (fetor hepaticus)
D. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
E. Slurred speech
Correct Answers: A, B, C, E
Rationale:
Hepatic encephalopathy presents with confusion, slurred speech, asterixis, and
fetor hepaticus. Reflexes are usually depressed, not hyperactive.
Question 4 (SATA)
A client with acute pancreatitis is receiving education on self-care and
complication prevention. Which instructions are correct? (Select all that apply.)
A. Avoid alcohol completely
B. Follow a low-fat diet when able to eat
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C. Recognize signs of hypocalcemia like tingling
D. Take pancreatic enzymes with meals if prescribed
E. Increase high-protein and high-fat foods for healing
Correct Answers: A, B, C, D
Rationale:
Pancreatitis education includes alcohol abstinence, low-fat diet, calcium
monitoring, and enzyme use if needed. High-fat foods can worsen pancreatic
stimulation.
Question 5 (SATA)
A client with cirrhosis is receiving lactulose. Which nursing actions are correct?
(Select all that apply.)
A. Assess bowel movements for effectiveness
B. Monitor ammonia levels
C. Hold the medication if diarrhea occurs
D. Educate the client on expected loose stools
E. Assess for signs of dehydration
Correct Answers: A, B, D, E
