ATI MED SURG 1: MEDICAL SURGICAL
GASTROINTESTINAL — COMPLETE
PRACTICE EXAM2026 LATEST UPDATED |
NURSING & HEALTHCARE SPECIALIST
LEVEL
Section 1: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Hiatal
Hernia (Questions 1–15)
1. A client with GERD reports nightly heartburn. Which instruction
should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
A. Drink milk at bedtime to neutralize acid
B. Lie flat immediately after meals
C. Elevate the head of the bed on 6- to 8-inch blocks
D. Eat a large meal right before bedtime
Answer: C
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed uses gravity to reduce
reflux. Drinking milk temporarily buffers acid but stimulates more
acid production. Lying flat and eating before bed worsen
symptoms.
,2. Which medication is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for
GERD?
A. Ranitidine
B. Omeprazole
C. Sucralfate
D. Metoclopramide
Answer: B
Rationale: Omeprazole is a PPI that reduces gastric acid secretion.
Ranitidine is an H2 blocker, sucralfate coats ulcers, and
metoclopramide is a prokinetic agent.
3. A client with a hiatal hernia asks what causes the condition.
Which response is most accurate?
A. "It is caused by a bacterial infection."
B. "It occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the
diaphragm."
C. "It is caused by eating too much fiber."
D. "It results from low stomach acid."
Answer: B
Rationale: A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the
stomach protrudes through the esophageal hiatus of the
diaphragm.
,4. Which food should the nurse teach a client with GERD to avoid?
A. Bananas
B. Chocolate
C. Oatmeal
D. Plain rice
Answer: B
Rationale: Chocolate, caffeine, spicy foods, citrus, and fatty foods
relax the lower esophageal sphincter and worsen GERD.
5. A client is scheduled for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy
(EGD). Which instruction is essential pre-procedure?
A. "You may eat a light breakfast."
B. "You must be NPO for 6–8 hours before the procedure."
C. "You should drink plenty of water before the procedure."
D. "You can take your oral medications with a small sip of water."
Answer: B
Rationale: NPO status prevents aspiration during the procedure.
Oral medications may be withheld or given with a small sip per
provider order.
6. Which complication is associated with long-standing GERD?
, A. Peptic ulcer disease
B. Barrett's esophagus
C. Appendicitis
D. Diverticulitis
Answer: B
Rationale: Chronic GERD can cause metaplastic changes in the
esophageal lining (Barrett's esophagus), which increases the risk
of esophageal cancer.
7. A client with GERD is prescribed metoclopramide. What is the
purpose of this medication?
A. To reduce acid production
B. To increase lower esophageal sphincter tone and promote
gastric emptying
C. To neutralize stomach acid
D. To coat the esophageal lining
Answer: B
Rationale: Metoclopramide is a prokinetic agent that increases LES
tone and accelerates gastric emptying.
8. Which statement by a client with GERD indicates a need for
further teaching?
GASTROINTESTINAL — COMPLETE
PRACTICE EXAM2026 LATEST UPDATED |
NURSING & HEALTHCARE SPECIALIST
LEVEL
Section 1: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) & Hiatal
Hernia (Questions 1–15)
1. A client with GERD reports nightly heartburn. Which instruction
should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
A. Drink milk at bedtime to neutralize acid
B. Lie flat immediately after meals
C. Elevate the head of the bed on 6- to 8-inch blocks
D. Eat a large meal right before bedtime
Answer: C
Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed uses gravity to reduce
reflux. Drinking milk temporarily buffers acid but stimulates more
acid production. Lying flat and eating before bed worsen
symptoms.
,2. Which medication is a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) used for
GERD?
A. Ranitidine
B. Omeprazole
C. Sucralfate
D. Metoclopramide
Answer: B
Rationale: Omeprazole is a PPI that reduces gastric acid secretion.
Ranitidine is an H2 blocker, sucralfate coats ulcers, and
metoclopramide is a prokinetic agent.
3. A client with a hiatal hernia asks what causes the condition.
Which response is most accurate?
A. "It is caused by a bacterial infection."
B. "It occurs when part of the stomach pushes up through the
diaphragm."
C. "It is caused by eating too much fiber."
D. "It results from low stomach acid."
Answer: B
Rationale: A hiatal hernia occurs when the upper part of the
stomach protrudes through the esophageal hiatus of the
diaphragm.
,4. Which food should the nurse teach a client with GERD to avoid?
A. Bananas
B. Chocolate
C. Oatmeal
D. Plain rice
Answer: B
Rationale: Chocolate, caffeine, spicy foods, citrus, and fatty foods
relax the lower esophageal sphincter and worsen GERD.
5. A client is scheduled for an esophagogastroduodenoscopy
(EGD). Which instruction is essential pre-procedure?
A. "You may eat a light breakfast."
B. "You must be NPO for 6–8 hours before the procedure."
C. "You should drink plenty of water before the procedure."
D. "You can take your oral medications with a small sip of water."
Answer: B
Rationale: NPO status prevents aspiration during the procedure.
Oral medications may be withheld or given with a small sip per
provider order.
6. Which complication is associated with long-standing GERD?
, A. Peptic ulcer disease
B. Barrett's esophagus
C. Appendicitis
D. Diverticulitis
Answer: B
Rationale: Chronic GERD can cause metaplastic changes in the
esophageal lining (Barrett's esophagus), which increases the risk
of esophageal cancer.
7. A client with GERD is prescribed metoclopramide. What is the
purpose of this medication?
A. To reduce acid production
B. To increase lower esophageal sphincter tone and promote
gastric emptying
C. To neutralize stomach acid
D. To coat the esophageal lining
Answer: B
Rationale: Metoclopramide is a prokinetic agent that increases LES
tone and accelerates gastric emptying.
8. Which statement by a client with GERD indicates a need for
further teaching?
