NCLEX-PN
NCLEX Gastrointestinal Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is irrigating the client's colostomy when the client complains of cramping. What is the most appropriate initial action by the nurse?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Pinching the tubing stops the flow, relieving cramping caused by rapid fluid instillation during colostomy irrigation.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is teaching the American Diabetes Association diet to a client diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 2. Which should the nurse teach the client?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Determining carbohydrate amounts (e.g., carb counting) is key for glycemic control in type 2 diabetes per ADA guidelines. Weighing food, carb-only for hypoglycemia, and high protein are incorrect.
Question 3 of 5
The client is admitted to a medical unit. The client’s medication list includes rifaximin, lactulose, and propranolol. Which assessment should be the nurse’s priority based on the client’s medication list?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A. Antibiotics and acid-reducing medications are expected with the treatment of PUD, but propranolol (Inderal) would not be expected. Although these medications may cue the nurse to further explore a history of PUD, this is not the most likely conclusion. B. There is no indication that the client has abdominal pain, and there isn’t an analgesic on the medication list. C. There is no indication that the client has an infectious condition necessitating airborne precautions. D. All medications listed are used to treat liver cirrhosis and its complications of portal hypertension and hepatic encephalopathy. The antibiotic rifaximin (Xifaxan) and the laxative lactulose (Cephulac) are used for treating hepatic encephalopathy. Thus, assessing the client’s neurological status and measuring abdominal girth are most important.
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 nurse has administered an antibiotic, a proton pump inhibitor, and Pepto-Bismol for peptic ulcer disease secondary to H. pylori. Which data would indicate to the nurse the medications are effective?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A decrease in gastric distress (e.g., epigastric pain) indicates effective treatment of H. pylori and ulcer healing. Lifestyle changes like reduced alcohol or bland diets support treatment but are not direct indicators of medication efficacy.