ATI LPN
Gastrointestinal System NCLEX Questions Questions
Question 1 of 5
A patient with a known history of PUD reports black, tarry stools. Which action should the nurse take first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Black, tarry stools indicate GI bleeding, requiring immediate physician notification for assessment and intervention.
Question 2 of 5
A patient with a history of PUD is admitted for severe epigastric pain and vomiting. The nurse assesses that the patient has a distended abdomen and hypoactive bowel sounds. What is the priority action?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Distension and hypoactive bowel sounds suggest gastric outlet obstruction, requiring nasogastric decompression.
Question 3 of 5
A patient with a known history of PUD is prescribed bismuth subsalicylate. The nurse should educate the patient that a common side effect of this medication is:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Bismuth can cause harmless black stools, a common side effect to reassure patients about.
Question 4 of 5
A patient with a history of PUD is experiencing pain relief after starting treatment with a PPI. The patient asks if they can stop the medication now. The nurse should respond:
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Stopping PPIs prematurely can lead to incomplete healing and recurrence.
Question 5 of 5
Which symptom is most indicative of peptic ulcer disease?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Upper abdominal pain that improves with eating is classic for duodenal ulcers, a common type of PUD, as food neutralizes acid temporarily. Sharp pain in the lower right abdomen suggests appendicitis. Vomiting and diarrhea are nonspecific and more acute. Cough and swallowing difficulty point to esophageal or respiratory issues.