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.

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

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?

• Meperidine
• Metformin
• Methylprednisone
• Mannitol

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
• Sauerkraut
• Milk chocolate
• Spinach

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
• Eat the largest meal of the day in the evening
• Utilize narcotics to reduce pain
• Decrease activity levels and increase rest
• Increase intake of fiber

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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?

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

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
• Right lower quadrant
• Left upper quadrant