NCLEX-PN
NCLEX Gastrointestinal Questions
Extract:
Question 1 of 5
Which complaint is significant for the nurse to assess in the adolescent male client who uses oral tobacco?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A nonhealing sore in the mouth is concerning for oral cancer, a risk associated with oral tobacco use, requiring immediate assessment. Sputum, blisters, and salivary ducts are less significant.
Question 2 of 5
The client with a duodenal ulcer is ready for discharge. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for more teaching about his diet?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Milk and cream cause rebound acidity and are not recommended for ulcer clients. Avoiding alcohol and cola, and eating regular meals and snacks, are appropriate.
Question 3 of 5
The 25-year-old client, hospitalized with an exacerbation of distal ulcerative colitis, is prescribed mesalamine rectally via enema. The client states that an enema is disgusting and wants to know why the medication cannot be given orally. Which is the best response by the nurse?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A. If the client still desires a change in medication route after the rationale for rectal administration is explained, the HCP should be consulted. B. This is the nurse’s best response because it explains the purpose for administration via enema. This route delivers mesalamine (Asacol) directly to the affected area, thus maximizing effectiveness and minimizing side effects. C. Oral administration is possible, but rectal administration is preferred in distal colitis. D. Nurses cannot order medications or change medication routes without specific approval by the HCP, who is licensed to prescribe medications.
Question 4 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 5 of 5
The experienced nurse is instructing the new nurse. The experienced nurse explains that the definitive diagnosis of PUD involves which test?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A. A urea breath test only tests for the presence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). B. The gastric mucosa can be visualized with an endoscope. A biopsy is possible to differentiate PUD from gastric cancer and to obtain tissue specimens to identify H. pylori. These are used to make a definitive diagnosis of PUD. C. Barium studies do not provide an opportunity for biopsy and H. pylori testing. D. A urea breath test and a string test only test for the presence of H . pylori.