Gastrointestinal Disorders Nursing Care: Practice Quizzes and Exam Prep

Question 1

For patients with peptic ulcer disease (PUD), what is the priority nursing goal?

Accepted Answer

Promotion of mucosal healing

Answer

Prevention of complications

Answer

Management of pain

Answer

Ensuring nutritional adequacy

Question 2

In acute pancreatitis, what type of diet is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Nothing by mouth (NPO)

Answer

Low-fat, low-fiber diet

Answer

High-protein, high-carbohydrate diet

Answer

Liberal diet

Question 3

For a patient with a newly created ileostomy, which nursing intervention should be prioritized initially?

Accepted Answer

Maintain the stoma appliance to prevent leakage and protect the skin.

Answer

Administer antiemetics to prevent nausea and vomiting.

Answer

Monitor fluid and electrolyte balance closely.

Answer

Provide emotional support and counseling to the patient and family.

Question 4

Following a gastrectomy, a patient is at risk for deficiency in which nutrient?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin B12

Answer

Iron

Answer

Calcium

Answer

Vitamin C

Question 5

For a patient with Crohn's disease experiencing symptoms of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, which nursing intervention is most important?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring of fluid and electrolyte balance

Answer

Encouraging increased fiber intake

Answer

Administration of anti-diarrheal medication

Answer

Restricting the patient's activity level

Question 6

For patients with severe gastrointestinal disorders, the recommended type of nutritional support is...

Accepted Answer

Parenteral nutrition

Answer

Enteral nutrition

Answer

Oral diet

Answer

Intravenous fluids

Question 7

When providing discharge instructions to a patient with a gastrointestinal disorder, the most crucial aspect to emphasize is...

Accepted Answer

Dietary modifications

Answer

Medication regimen

Answer

Follow-up appointments

Answer

Activity restrictions

Question 8

A sign suggestive of impending esophageal perforation is...

Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of chest pain

Answer

Dysphagia

Answer

Hoarseness

Answer

Fever

Question 9

When providing end-of-life care to a patient with a gastrointestinal disorder, which ethical principle is paramount?

Accepted Answer

Respecting the patient's wishes

Answer

Prioritizing life-prolonging measures

Answer

Adhering strictly to medical directives

Question 10

How does nutrition primarily contribute to wound healing in patients with gastrointestinal disorders?

Accepted Answer

Provides nutrients and energy for tissue repair

Answer

Prevents infections

Answer

Regulates electrolyte and fluid balance

Answer

Reduces inflammation

Question 11

Which complication is commonly associated with pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Formation of an abscess within the pancreas

Answer

Development of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Answer

Elevation of blood pressure (hypertension)

Answer

Slowing of the heart rate (bradycardia)

Question 12

Which medication is commonly used in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease?

Accepted Answer

Sucralfate, which protects the ulcer from stomach acid

Answer

Metoprolol, a beta-blocker used to lower blood pressure

Answer

Warfarin, an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots

Answer

Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside used to treat heart failure

Question 13

When preparing a patient for surgical removal of a colon polyp, what bowel preparation is typically ordered?

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy preparation involving laxatives and enemas

Answer

Clear liquid diet

Answer

Low-fiber diet

Answer

Nothing by mouth (NPO) starting the night before surgery

Question 14

Which of the following is an early sign of impending liver failure?

Accepted Answer

Accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites)

Answer

Rapid heart rate (tachycardia)

Answer

Excessive production of urine (polyuria)

Answer

Infrequent bowel movements (constipation)

Question 15

Which of these symptoms signals an impending esophageal variceal hemorrhage?

Accepted Answer

Marked hypotension

Answer

Ascites accumulation

Answer

Progressive encephalopathy

Answer

Jaundice development

Question 16

In pancreatitis management, what is the primary purpose of nutritional support?

Accepted Answer

Preventing malnutrition

Answer

Reducing inflammation

Answer

Promoting wound healing

Answer

Stimulating pancreatic enzyme production

Question 17

Which medication is primarily used to treat peptic ulcer disease?

Accepted Answer

Omeprazole

Answer

Digoxin

Answer

Metformin

Answer

Warfarin

Question 18

What is the most frequent complication encountered after a gastrectomy?

Accepted Answer

Dumping syndrome

Answer

Hemorrhaging

Answer

Bowel obstruction

Answer

Infection

Question 19

For screening colorectal cancer, which test is recommended?

Accepted Answer

Colonoscopy

Answer

X-ray

Answer

Blood test

Answer

MRI scan

Question 20

When providing nursing care to a patient with end-stage liver disease, which action should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Ensuring comfort and preserving dignity

Answer

Administering prescribed medications

Answer

Monitoring vital signs frequently

Answer

Inserting a nasogastric tube for nutritional support

Question 21

Which sign is indicative of malnutrition in patients with gastrointestinal disorders?

Accepted Answer

Unintentional weight loss due to decreased nutrient absorption

Answer

Edema, swelling caused by fluid retention

Answer

Hypertension, abnormally high blood pressure

Answer

Increased blood sugar levels due to impaired glucose metabolism

Question 22

When administering intermittent suction through a nasogastric tube to prevent tissue damage, the nurse should limit suction for:

Accepted Answer

No longer than 15 seconds at a time

Answer

At least 30 seconds at a time

Answer

Never turn the suction off while the tube is in the patient

Answer

Use a sterile saline flush to clear the tube before suctioning

Question 23

The preferred medication for managing acute exacerbations of Crohn's disease is:

Accepted Answer

Prednisone

Answer

Mesalamine

Answer

Azathioprine

Answer

5-Aminosalicylic acid

Question 24

For patients with acute pancreatitis, the most appropriate nutritional support method is:

Accepted Answer

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)

Answer

Enteral nutrition

Answer

Oral intake

Answer

Gastrostomy tube feeding

Question 25

Which intervention is most effective in preventing complications associated with peptic ulcer disease?

Accepted Answer

Encourage smoking cessation

Answer

Administer antacids regularly

Answer

Maintain the patient NPO

Answer

Administer antibiotics

Question 26

Which of the following assessment findings requires immediate medical attention in a patient with Crohn's disease?

Accepted Answer

Blood in the stool, indicating active bleeding

Answer

Diarrhea that has persisted for more than two weeks

Answer

Abdominal pain that is relieved by defecation

Answer

Unintentional weight loss of 10 pounds within a month

Question 27

Which of the following medications is commonly prescribed for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Accepted Answer

Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor that reduces stomach acid production

Answer

Metformin, an oral medication used to manage type 2 diabetes

Answer

Digoxin, a cardiac glycoside used to treat heart failure

Answer

Warfarin, an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots

Question 28

In acute pancreatitis, which nutritional management principle is essential?

Accepted Answer

Early initiation of enteral nutrition with reduced fat

Answer

Exclusive parenteral nutrition for at least 14 days

Answer

Restrictive diet with no oral intake for several days

Question 29

Which preoperative intervention is most crucial for patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery?

Accepted Answer

Bowel cleansing

Answer

Administration of antibiotics

Answer

Insertion of a nasogastric tube

Answer

Instruction on postoperative care

Question 30

For a patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) on proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the primary nursing intervention involves:

Accepted Answer

Administering the medication on an empty stomach

Answer

Monitoring for hyperkalemia risk

Answer

Assessing potential drug interactions

Answer

Monitoring nutritional status

Question 31

The primary objective of nutritional support for gastrointestinal disorders is to:

Accepted Answer

Maintain positive nitrogen balance

Answer

Facilitate wound healing

Answer

Prevent electrolyte imbalances

Answer

Minimize infection risk

Question 32

In end-of-life care for gastrointestinal disorders, the primary consideration for nurses is:

Accepted Answer

Patient's wishes

Answer

Family's wishes

Answer

Physician's orders

Answer

Nurse's values

Question 33

The most common cause of acute cholecystitis is:

Accepted Answer

Gallstones

Answer

Infection

Answer

Trauma

Answer

Tumor

Question 34

Which of the following nursing interventions is the priority management for a patient with acute pancreatitis?

Accepted Answer

Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.

Answer

Administer pain medication.

Answer

Monitor for signs of infection.

Answer

Provide emotional support.

Question 35

For a patient presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to peptic ulcer disease, which nursing action should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Monitor vital signs frequently to assess for hemodynamic stability.

Answer

Administer antacids to neutralize stomach acid.

Answer

Notify the physician immediately.

Answer

Insert a nasogastric tube to evacuate gastric contents.

Question 36

Which of the following complications is commonly associated with inflammatory bowel disease?

Accepted Answer

Fistula formation between bowel loops.

Answer

Renal failure due to chronic inflammation.

Answer

Stroke akibat cerebral embolism.

Answer

Hypertension due to excessive fluid retention.

Question 37

Which symptom is characteristic of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

Accepted Answer

Heartburn, a burning sensation in the chest.

Answer

Nausea, a feeling of queasiness or an urge to vomit.

Answer

Diarrhea, frequent loose or watery stools.

Answer

Constipation, infrequent or difficult bowel movements.

Question 38

For a patient with Crohn's disease experiencing abdominal pain and diarrhea, the most appropriate nursing action is to:

Accepted Answer

Encourage rest and provide a calm and supportive environment.

Answer

Place the patient on a strict elimination diet.

Answer

Notify the physician immediately.

Answer

Administer pain medication to alleviate symptoms.

Question 39

Which condition is an absolute contraindication for total parenteral nutrition (TPN)?

Accepted Answer

Bowel obstruction, where the gastrointestinal tract is blocked.

Answer

Liver failure, where the liver is unable to process nutrients.

Answer

Hyperglycemia, abnormally high blood sugar levels.

Answer

Renal failure, where the kidneys are unable to filter waste products.

Question 40

Identify the most appropriate nursing diagnosis for a patient experiencing acute pancreatitis:

Accepted Answer

Acute pain related to inflammation of the pancreas.

Answer

Ineffective airway clearance related to pancreatic secretions.

Answer

Impaired skin integrity related to pancreatic enzymes.

Answer

Disturbed body image related to changes in appearance.

Question 41

For a patient with a history of diverticulitis who presents with abdominal pain and tenderness, which nursing intervention is most important?

Accepted Answer

Monitoring vital signs to assess for signs of peritoneal inflammation.

Answer

Placing the patient on a low-fiber diet to reduce bowel movements.

Answer

Administering antibiotics to treat potential infection.

Answer

Referring the patient for immediate surgical intervention.

Question 42

For a patient with cirrhosis and ascites, what is the cornerstone nursing intervention?

Accepted Answer

Restricting sodium intake

Answer

Encouraging increased fluid intake

Answer

Performing frequent abdominal paracentesis

Answer

Administering diuretics as prescribed

Question 43

In assessing a patient with acute pancreatitis, which symptom is the most crucial?

Accepted Answer

Severe abdominal pain

Answer

Jaundice

Answer

Frequent nausea and vomiting

Answer

Elevated blood sugar levels

Question 44

For a patient experiencing gastrointestinal bleeding, what nursing intervention should be prioritized?

Accepted Answer

Meticulously monitor vital signs for indications of shock.

Answer

Restrict fluid intake to 1500 mL per day.

Answer

Encourage a high-fiber dietary intake.

Answer

Administer pain medication according to the patient's needs.

Question 45

In Crohn's disease, which complication is commonly encountered?

Accepted Answer

Development of fistulas

Answer

Stroke

Answer

Impaired kidney function

Answer

Heart attack

Question 46

Before a gastrectomy, what is the primary objective of preoperative teaching?

Accepted Answer

To mitigate anxiety and facilitate recovery.

Answer

To ensure the patient's comprehension of the surgical procedure.

Answer

To educate the patient on nutritional guidelines.

Answer

To inform about potential complications.

Question 47

When caring for a patient with ulcerative colitis, which assessment finding suggests a flare-up?

Accepted Answer

Increased frequency and urgency of bowel movements

Answer

Improved sleep

Answer

Weight gain

Answer

Diminished appetite

Question 48

For a patient with a nasogastric tube, the most critical nursing intervention is:

Accepted Answer

Regularly verifying the tube placement.

Answer

Providing oral hygiene every two hours.

Answer

Elevating the head of the bed 30 degrees.

Answer

Flushing the tube with 30 mL of water every four hours.

Question 49

In patients with gastrointestinal disorders, what is the most effective way to prevent pressure ulcers?

Accepted Answer

Frequent repositioning and meticulous skin care.

Answer

Administering stool softeners.

Answer

Providing a diet high in protein.

Answer

Encouraging early ambulation.

Question 50

The primary nursing goal for a patient with a colostomy is to:

Accepted Answer

Promote self-care and independence.

Answer

Provide nutritional support.

Answer

Prevent infection.

Answer

Manage pain.