NCLEX Med-Surg: Noninflammatory GI
Disorders Review Exam Questions and
Answers (verified answers)2026 RATED A+
Intestinal Obstruction - CORRECT ANSWERS A blockage that prevents contents from moving
through the intestines.
Mechanical Obstruction - CORRECT ANSWERS A physical blockage that stops the flow, such as
adhesions, tumors, or volvulus.
Nonmechanical Obstruction (Paralytic Ileus) - CORRECT ANSWERS A condition where
peristalsis stops, often seen after abdominal surgery.
Backup and Distention - CORRECT ANSWERS Fluid, gas, and waste accumulate above the
blockage, causing the abdomen to become distended and swollen.
Fluid and Electrolyte Shifts - CORRECT ANSWERS As pressure builds, the bowel wall becomes
edematous and leaky, causing fluid to shift from the circulatory system into the peritoneal cavity.
Third-spacing of fluid - CORRECT ANSWERS The movement of fluid from the circulatory
system into the peritoneal cavity, leading to hypovolemia.
Hypovolemic Shock - CORRECT ANSWERS A primary cause of death in intestinal obstruction
due to severe fluid loss.
Acid-Base Imbalances - CORRECT ANSWERS Imbalances that occur depending on the location
of the intestinal blockage.
, High small intestine obstruction - CORRECT ANSWERS Leads to the patient vomiting stomach
acid, resulting in Metabolic Alkalosis.
Lower intestinal obstruction - CORRECT ANSWERS Results in the patient losing alkaline fluids
from below the stomach, leading to Metabolic Acidosis.
Small-Bowel Obstruction Pain Location - CORRECT ANSWERS Abdominal discomfort or pain
possibly accompanied by visible peristaltic waves in upper and middle abdomen.
Large-Bowel Obstruction Pain Location - CORRECT ANSWERS Intermittent lower abdominal
cramping.
Small-Bowel Obstruction Abdominal Distention - CORRECT ANSWERS Upper or epigastric
abdominal distention.
Large-Bowel Obstruction Abdominal Distention - CORRECT ANSWERS Lower abdominal
distention.
Small-Bowel Obstruction Vomiting - CORRECT ANSWERS Nausea and early, profuse vomiting
(may contain fecal material; can be orange-brown and foul smelling because of bacterial overgrowth).
Large-Bowel Obstruction Vomiting - CORRECT ANSWERS Minimal or no vomiting.
Small-Bowel Obstruction Stool Character - CORRECT ANSWERS Obstipation (no stool
passage).
Large-Bowel Obstruction Stool Character - CORRECT ANSWERS Obstipation or ribbonlike
stools.
Disorders Review Exam Questions and
Answers (verified answers)2026 RATED A+
Intestinal Obstruction - CORRECT ANSWERS A blockage that prevents contents from moving
through the intestines.
Mechanical Obstruction - CORRECT ANSWERS A physical blockage that stops the flow, such as
adhesions, tumors, or volvulus.
Nonmechanical Obstruction (Paralytic Ileus) - CORRECT ANSWERS A condition where
peristalsis stops, often seen after abdominal surgery.
Backup and Distention - CORRECT ANSWERS Fluid, gas, and waste accumulate above the
blockage, causing the abdomen to become distended and swollen.
Fluid and Electrolyte Shifts - CORRECT ANSWERS As pressure builds, the bowel wall becomes
edematous and leaky, causing fluid to shift from the circulatory system into the peritoneal cavity.
Third-spacing of fluid - CORRECT ANSWERS The movement of fluid from the circulatory
system into the peritoneal cavity, leading to hypovolemia.
Hypovolemic Shock - CORRECT ANSWERS A primary cause of death in intestinal obstruction
due to severe fluid loss.
Acid-Base Imbalances - CORRECT ANSWERS Imbalances that occur depending on the location
of the intestinal blockage.
, High small intestine obstruction - CORRECT ANSWERS Leads to the patient vomiting stomach
acid, resulting in Metabolic Alkalosis.
Lower intestinal obstruction - CORRECT ANSWERS Results in the patient losing alkaline fluids
from below the stomach, leading to Metabolic Acidosis.
Small-Bowel Obstruction Pain Location - CORRECT ANSWERS Abdominal discomfort or pain
possibly accompanied by visible peristaltic waves in upper and middle abdomen.
Large-Bowel Obstruction Pain Location - CORRECT ANSWERS Intermittent lower abdominal
cramping.
Small-Bowel Obstruction Abdominal Distention - CORRECT ANSWERS Upper or epigastric
abdominal distention.
Large-Bowel Obstruction Abdominal Distention - CORRECT ANSWERS Lower abdominal
distention.
Small-Bowel Obstruction Vomiting - CORRECT ANSWERS Nausea and early, profuse vomiting
(may contain fecal material; can be orange-brown and foul smelling because of bacterial overgrowth).
Large-Bowel Obstruction Vomiting - CORRECT ANSWERS Minimal or no vomiting.
Small-Bowel Obstruction Stool Character - CORRECT ANSWERS Obstipation (no stool
passage).
Large-Bowel Obstruction Stool Character - CORRECT ANSWERS Obstipation or ribbonlike
stools.
