NCLEX-PN
NCLEX Gastrointestinal Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The client with liver problems asks the nurse, 'Why are my stools clay-colored?' On which scientific rationale should the nurse base the response?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clay-colored stools result from the liver’s inability to excrete bilirubin, which gives stool its brown color. Ammonia, fat metabolism, and vitamin detoxification are unrelated.
Question 2 of 5
The 20-year-old female is being admitted to the hospital with exacerbation of Crohn’s disease. The client is alert and oriented and has been taking azathioprine for disease control. Into which room should the charge nurse place the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A. The client is alert and oriented; there is no need to be near the nurse’s station. B. The client is at an increased risk for infection and should have a private room rather than rooming with another female with Crohn’s disease. C. The client should be in a private room with a private bathroom due to an increased risk for infection with azathioprine (Imuran). Azathioprine suppresses cell-mediated immune responses and may cause bone marrow suppression. It is also a biohazard medication. D. The client is at an increased risk for infection and should have a private room rather than rooming with another female.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is performing an initial postoperative assessment on the client following upper GI surgery. The client has an NG tube to low intermittent suction. To best assess the client for the presence of bowel sounds, which intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A. When the client has hypoactive bowel sounds, which would be expected in a postsurgical client, the nurse should begin listening over the ileocecal valve in the right lower abdominal quadrant rather than to the left of the umbilicus. The ileocecal valve normally is a very active area. B. When listening for bowel sounds on the client who has an NG tube to suction, the nurse should turn off the suction during auscultation to prevent mistaking the suction sound for bowel sounds. C. The diaphragm of the stethoscope should be utilized for bowel sounds. The bell of the stethoscope should be utilized for abdominal vascular sounds, such as bruits. D. There is no reason to empty the canister before auscultation.
Question 4 of 5
An adult is being treated for a peptic ulcer. The physician has prescribed cimetidine (Tagamet) for which reason?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cimetidine, an H2 receptor blocker, reduces gastric acid secretion, aiding peptic ulcer healing.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is working in an outpatient clinic. Which client is most likely to have a diagnosis of diverticulosis?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Diverticulosis is more common in older adults with sedentary lifestyles, which contribute to constipation and increased colonic pressure. Childbirth, hemorrhoids, and family history are less direct risk factors.