NCLEX-PN
Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is taking a hospital admission history for the 40-year-old client. The nurse is concerned about possible acute pancreatitis when the client makes which statement?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A. The predominant symptom of acute pancreatitis is severe, deep or piercing, continuous or steady abdominal pain in the upper left quadrant. The pain may radiate to the back because of the retroperitoneal location of the pancreas. Middle-aged individuals are at increased risk for developing acute pancreatitis. B. Abdominal pain located mainly in the right lower quadrant may be a symptom of appendicitis (not pancreatitis). Appendicitis is more common in younger adults. C. Bloody diarrhea and colicky abdominal pain are symptoms of IBD, also more common in young adults. D. Upper abdominal pain and projectile vomiting are symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction or another GI disorder and not pancreatitis.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Which symptom(s) support this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Multiple bloody, liquid stools are a hallmark of ulcerative colitis due to mucosal inflammation. Appetite/thirst increase, elevated hemoglobin, and stress-unrelated exacerbations are incorrect.
Question 3 of 5
Which physical examination should the nurse implement first when assessing the client diagnosed with peptic ulcer disease?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Palpating for tenderness helps identify epigastric pain, a key symptom of peptic ulcer disease, and guides further assessment. Auscultation, percussion, and specific tender-to-nontender assessment are secondary in this context.
Question 4 of 5
The nurse is reviewing the history and physical of a teenager admitted to a hospital with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. Based on this diagnosis, which information should the nurse expect to see on this client’s medical record?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A. Heartburn and regurgitation are not symptoms of ulcerative colitis. B. The nurse should expect to read about the primary symptoms of ulcerative colitis, which are bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. C. Weight loss, not weight gain, often occurs in severe cases of ulcerative colitis. D. Bowel sounds are often hyperactive rather than hypoactive in ulcerative colitis.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is teaching a client recovering from a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Which statement indicates the discharge teaching is effective?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: High-fat meals may cause discomfort post-cholecystectomy due to altered bile flow, indicating understanding of dietary adjustments. Lipid-lowering drugs, prolonged supervision, and avoiding splinting are incorrect.