NCLEX-PN
Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse has received the a.m. shift report. Which client should the nurse assess first?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Tented skin turgor and dry mucous membranes in an elderly IBD patient indicate severe dehydration, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate assessment. Other clients have concerning but less urgent symptoms.
Question 2 of 5
The day after surgery in which a colostomy was performed, the client says, 'I know the doctor did not really do a colostomy.' The nurse understands that the client is in an early stage of adjustment to the diagnosis and surgery. What nursing action is indicated at this time?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acknowledging the difficulty of the surgery supports the client emotionally during the denial stage without forcing confrontation.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is preparing to care for the client immediately after a Whipple procedure. The nurse should plan to include which action?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A. The Whipple procedure induces insulin-dependent diabetes because the proximal pancreas is resected. Thus, the blood glucose levels should be monitored closely starting immediately after surgery. B. Parenteral (not enteral) feedings are the method of choice for providing nutrition immediately after surgery. C. The NG tube is strategically placed during surgery and should not be irrigated without a surgeon’s order. With an order, gentle irrigation with 10 to 20 mL of NS is appropriate. D. Since this surgery reshapes the GI tract, the client will not have peristalsis and bowel movements for several days.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is caring for the postoperative client who underwent an open Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The charge nurse should intervene if which observation is made?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A. For the first 24-48 hours postoperatively, the client sips small amounts of clear liquids to avoid nausea, vomiting, and distention and stress on the suture line. B. If used, urinary catheters should be removed within 24 hours after surgery to prevent UTIs and to encourage mobility. The nurse may delegate this task to an LPN. C. The BiPAP mask is used to keep the airway open and should be worn whenever the client is sleeping. D. A bottle of saline and a large-sized syringe may indicate that the client’s NG tube has been or will be irrigated. Manipulating or irrigating an NG tube with too much solution can lead to disruption of the anastomosis in gastric surgeries. If an NG tube is present the surgeon should be consulted before irrigating the tube.
Question 5 of 5
Which task should the nurse delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to improve the desire to eat in a 14-year-old client diagnosed with anorexia?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Encouraging parents to sit with the client is within the UAP’s scope and promotes a supportive eating environment. Administering medication, mouth care, and creating a social atmosphere require RN skills or specific training.