NCLEX-PN
NCLEX Gastrointestinal Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
Following an esophagectomy with colon interposition (esophagoenterostomy) for esophageal cancer, the client is beginning to eat oral foods. The nurse monitors for aspiration because the client no longer has which structure?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A. All or part of the stomach will remain intact following an esophagoenterostomy. B. The pyloric sphincter will remain intact following an esophagoenterostomy. C. The pharynx will remain intact following an esophagoenterostomy. D. An esophagectomy for cancer involves removal of the lower esophageal sphincter, which normally functions to keep food from refluxing back into the esophagus. The absence of the lower esophageal sphincter places the client at risk for aspiration.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is preparing to administer the initial dose of an aminoglycoside antibiotic to the client diagnosed with acute diverticulitis. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Checking for drug allergies before administering an aminoglycoside prevents allergic reactions, a critical safety step. Trough and peak levels are monitored later, and vital signs are routine but not specific to the initial dose.
Question 3 of 5
A child with appendicitis is scheduled for surgery this evening. The nurse enters the room and sees the child's mother starting to place hot, wet washcloths on her daughter's abdomen so that 'she will feel better.' The nurse explains that this action is contraindicated because heat:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Heat can increase inflammation and blood flow, risking appendix rupture and peritonitis in appendicitis.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for the client who has a temporary colostomy following surgery for colon cancer. The nurse assesses that the client’s colostomy bag is empty and that there has been no stool since surgery 24 hours ago. What should the nurse do?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should document the findings; the absence of stool is expected 24 hours postsurgery.
Question 5 of 5
The client in end-stage liver failure has vitamin K deficiency. Which interventions should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: A,B,D
Rationale: Vitamin K deficiency impairs clotting, increasing bleeding risk, so avoiding rectal temperatures, using a soft toothbrush, and small-gauge needles minimize trauma. Platelet counts and asterixis are unrelated to bleeding risk.