NCLEX-PN
Gastrointestinal NCLEX Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
The nurse is teaching the client diagnosed with colon cancer who is scheduled for a colostomy. Which behavior indicates the nurse is utilizing adult learning principles?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Repeating information based on client questions respects adult learning principles by addressing the learner’s needs and reinforcing understanding. One-session teaching, videos, or waiting for questions are less interactive.
Question 2 of 5
Which intervention should the nurse include when discussing ways to prevent food poisoning?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cleaning cutting boards between meats and fruits prevents cross-contamination, a key cause of food poisoning. Handwashing should be longer, 140°F is too high, and fruits require washing.
Question 3 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 4 of 5
The client is diagnosed with Crohn's disease, also known as regional enteritis. Which statement by the client supports this diagnosis?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Crohn's disease often causes alternating diarrhea and constipation due to inflammation and strictures throughout the GI tract. Pain relief after bowel movements is less specific, bright red blood is more typical of ulcerative colitis, and a rigid abdomen suggests complications.
Question 5 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.