NCLEX-PN
NCLEX Gastrointestinal Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is caring for the client diagnosed with ascites secondary to hepatic cirrhosis. Which information should the nurse report to the health-care provider?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An increase in abdominal girth (2 inches) suggests worsening ascites, requiring HCP notification. Weight loss, increased urine output, and normal bilirubin are expected or less urgent.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for the newly admitted client with acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Which interventions, if prescribed, should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: A, B, C, F
Rationale: Giving an IV bolus followed by fluids at 250 mL/hour should be implemented. A large amount of fluids is lost due to third spacing into the retroperitoneum and intraabdominal area. Fluids are needed to prevent hypovolemia and maintain hemodynamic stability. B. Nasojejunal enteral feedings with a low-fat formula should be initiated to decrease the secretion of secretin, meet calorie needs, and maintain a positive nitrogen balance. C. Antibiotics, usually medications of the imipenem class such as imipenem-cilastatin (Primaxin), are used when pancreatitis is complicated by infected pancreatic necrosis. They have greater potency and a broader antimicrobial spectrum than other beta-lactam antibiotics. D. The client should be maintained on bedrest to decrease the metabolic rate and therefore reduce pancreatic secretions. E. Discomfort frequently improves with the client in the supine position rather than side-lying. F. A urinary catheter should be inserted to closely monitor urine output for circulating fluid volume status and to monitor for complications.
Question 3 of 5
The client is diagnosed with salmonellosis secondary to eating some slightly cooked hamburger meat. Which clinical manifestations should the nurse expect the client to report?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Salmonellosis typically causes abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting due to bacterial irritation of the GI tract. Paralysis is botulism, bloody diarrhea is more typical of other pathogens, and rice water stool is cholera.
Question 4 of 5
The client diagnosed with ulcerative colitis is prescribed a low-residue diet. Which meal selection indicates the client understands the diet teaching?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A low-residue diet minimizes fiber to reduce bowel irritation, so roast pork, white rice, and plain custard (low-fiber foods) are appropriate. The other options include high-fiber foods like wheat, vegetables, and whole grains, which are contraindicated.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for clients on a medical unit. Which client information should be brought to the attention of the HCP immediately?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Hyponatremia (sodium 128 mEq/L) in obstipation risks neurological complications, requiring immediate HCP attention. Formed stools, normal potassium, and moderate diarrhea are less urgent.