NCLEX-PN
NCLEX Gastrointestinal Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the health history of the client receiving treatment for hemorrhoids. Which information, related to the development of hemorrhoids, should the nurse expect to find in the client’s medical history?
Correct Answer: B, E
Rationale: Clients who are thin (BMI = 18) would have a decreased risk of hemorrhoid development. Obesity is a risk factor for hemorrhoid development. B. Prolonged constipation is a risk factor for development of hemorrhoids. C. Since pregnancy is a common cause of constipation, nulliparous women would have a decreased risk of hemorrhoid development. D. Sedentary rather than active occupations have an increased risk of hemorrhoid development. E. Iron supplements can lead to constipation and straining, which can precipitate hemorrhoid development.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is preparing to administer the initial dose of an aminoglycoside antibiotic to the client diagnosed with acute diverticulitis. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Checking for drug allergies before administering an aminoglycoside prevents allergic reactions, a critical safety step. Trough and peak levels are monitored later, and vital signs are routine but not specific to the initial dose.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is caring for clients on a surgical unit. Which client should the nurse assess first?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sudden resolution of abdominal pain may indicate perforation (e.g., appendicitis), a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate assessment. Urinary retention, absent bowel sounds, and discharge are less urgent.
Question 4 of 5
Following an esophagectomy with colon interposition (esophagoenterostomy) for esophageal cancer, the client is beginning to eat oral foods. The nurse monitors for aspiration because the client no longer has which structure?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A. All or part of the stomach will remain intact following an esophagoenterostomy. B. The pyloric sphincter will remain intact following an esophagoenterostomy. C. The pharynx will remain intact following an esophagoenterostomy. D. An esophagectomy for cancer involves removal of the lower esophageal sphincter, which normally functions to keep food from refluxing back into the esophagus. The absence of the lower esophageal sphincter places the client at risk for aspiration.
Question 5 of 5
The client diagnosed with diverticulitis is complaining of severe pain in the left lower quadrant and has an oral temperature of 100.6°F. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assessing the abdomen first provides critical data on tenderness, rigidity, or rebound, which could indicate complications like perforation, guiding further actions. Notification or medication follows assessment.