10 GI NCLEX® Questions

A client reports that they haven’t had a bowel movement in three days. The nurse should promote which of the following to help the client with gastrointestinal peristalsis? Select all that apply.

• Abdominal massage
• Ambulation
• Docusate sodium
• Semi-private bathroom access
• Increased fluid intake

A client presents to the emergency department with abdominal pain. The client states she has not had a bowel movement for one week. An X-ray confirms constipation, and the provider is concerned about a blockage if the client doesn’t have a bowel movement soon. Which of the following medications pulls water into the colon to soften the stool?

• Methylprednisone
• Mannitol
• Metformin
• Meperidine

A client with chronic diarrhea tells the nurse that she wants to start taking probiotics to regulate her digestive system. In which products are probiotics most commonly found? Select all that apply.

• Yogurt
• Wheat bread
• Milk chocolate
• Spinach
• Sauerkraut

A client with irritable bowel syndrome has asked the nurse if there is anything that can be done to decrease the frequency of diarrhea. Which of the following advice is appropriate for a client to develop regular bowel functioning? Select all that apply.

• Drink 8 to 10 glasses of liquids per day
• Utilize narcotics to reduce pain
• Decrease activity levels and increase rest
• Increase intake of fiber
• Eat the largest meal of the day in the evening

A client has diarrhea. What should the nurse expect when auscultating the abdomen?

• High-pitched bowel sounds
• Absent bowel sounds
• Hypoactive bowel sounds
• Hyperactive bowel sounds

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Which statement indicates more teaching is needed?

• "I will deal with chronic constipation"
• "A high-calorie, high-protein diet is best"
• "I am at risk for anemia and electrolyte disturbances"
• "I will have periods of remission and periods of exacerbation"

A nurse is receiving a client from GI lab after a colonoscopy. Which of the following post-procedure nursing tasks are appropriate for this client? Select all that apply.

• Monitor for signs of colon perforation
• Remind client that cramping is expected for several hours
• Offer laxatives to relieve abdominal fullness
• Provide fluids to rehydrate
• Ambulate immediately following the procedure

The nurse is discussing colon cancer risks with a 40-year-old client. Which of the following are modifiable factors that contribute to an increased risk for colon cancer? Select all that apply.

• A diet high in alcohol consumption
• Smoking
• Advanced age
• An inactive lifestyle
• Inflammatory bowel disease

The nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with appendicitis and is scheduled for surgery later today. Which of the following assessment findings is the MOST concerning?

• Sudden pain relief
• Rebound tenderness
• Increased WBC on CBC
• Abdominal pain at McBurney’s point

A nursing caring for an eight-year-old with appendicitis knows that the most intense area of pain may be at McBurney’s point, which is located where on the abdomen?

• Right upper quadrant
• Left lower quadrant
• Left upper quadrant
• Right lower quadrant