NCLEX-PN
Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The client diagnosed with IBD is prescribed total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: TPN, high in dextrose, can cause hyperglycemia, so monitoring glucose levels is essential, especially in IBD patients with potential metabolic stress. Oral hypoglycemics are inappropriate, TPN uses central lines, and oral intake is typically minimal.
Question 2 of 5
Which outcome should the nurse identify for the client scheduled to have a cholecystectomy?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Ambulation on the first postoperative day prevents complications like thrombosis and atelectasis. Pain management should increase, skin integrity may be disrupted, and knowledge is a process, not an outcome.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is taking a hospital admission history for the 40-year-old client. The nurse is concerned about possible acute pancreatitis when the client makes which statement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A. The predominant symptom of acute pancreatitis is severe, deep or piercing, continuous or steady abdominal pain in the upper left quadrant. The pain may radiate to the back because of the retroperitoneal location of the pancreas. Middle-aged individuals are at increased risk for developing acute pancreatitis. B. Abdominal pain located mainly in the right lower quadrant may be a symptom of appendicitis (not pancreatitis). Appendicitis is more common in younger adults. C. Bloody diarrhea and colicky abdominal pain are symptoms of IBD, also more common in young adults. D. Upper abdominal pain and projectile vomiting are symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction or another GI disorder and not pancreatitis.
Question 4 of 5
Which intervention should the nurse include when discussing ways to help prevent potential episodes of gastroenteritis from Clostridium botulism?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Clostridium botulinum thrives in improperly canned foods, so discarding damaged cans prevents botulism. Cooking meat, refrigerating dairy, and bottled water are unrelated to botulism.
Question 5 of 5
The client is diagnosed with end-stage liver failure. The client asks the nurse, 'Why is my doctor decreasing the doses of my medications?' Which statement is the nurse's best response?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: End-stage liver failure impairs drug metabolism, prolonging medication half-life, so doses are reduced to prevent toxicity. Overdose is a consequence, not the rationale, and other responses are less informative.