NCLEX-PN
NCLEX Gastrointestinal Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is planning the care of a client diagnosed with lower esophageal sphincter dysfunction. Which dietary modifications should be included in the plan of care?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Eating small, frequent meals reduces stomach distension, which can trigger reflux, and limiting fluids during meals prevents excessive gastric volume. Favorite foods may include triggers, eructation exercises are not standard, and alcohol like red wine can worsen GERD.
Question 2 of 5
The charge nurse is making assignments. Staffing includes a registered nurse with five (5) years of medical-surgical experience, a newly graduated registered nurse, and two (2) unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs). Which client should be assigned to the most experienced nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The client with GERD and wheezing in all five lobes indicates potential respiratory complications, possibly asthma or aspiration, requiring complex assessment and management best suited for the experienced nurse. The other clients have less acute or complex needs.
Question 3 of 5
The client with type 2 diabetes is prescribed prednisone, a steroid, for an acute exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Which intervention should the nurse discuss with the client?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Prednisone can elevate blood glucose levels, particularly in diabetic patients, so monitoring and reporting elevated glucose (>160 mg/dL) is critical to prevent hyperglycemia complications. Moon face is a side effect but less urgent, and steroids should be taken with food to reduce gastric irritation.
Question 4 of 5
The client diagnosed with Crohn's disease is crying and tells the nurse, 'I can't take it anymore. I never know when I will get sick and end up here in the hospital.' Which statement is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Acknowledging the client's distress and offering to talk provides emotional support and opens communication to address concerns. The other responses are less therapeutic, either minimizing the issue or jumping to assumptions about suicide risk.
Question 5 of 5
Which assessment data supports the client's diagnosis of gastric ulcer to the nurse?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Gastric ulcers typically cause epigastric pain 30–60 minutes after eating due to acid irritation of the ulcerated mucosa. Blood in stool is more indicative of lower GI issues, a wave-like sensation is vague, and sharp pain after heavy meals is less specific.