Medical-Surgical: Gastrointestinal Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified

Medical-Surgical: Gastrointestinal Questions and Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified A client with cirrhosis reports confusion and difficulty concentrating. What condition should the nurse suspect? Hepatic encephalopathy A client is admitted with a bowel obstruction. What is the most important initial nursing action? Insert a nasogastric tube to decompress the stomach A client complains of epigastric pain that improves with eating but returns a few hours later. What is the likely diagnosis? Duodenal ulcer What assessment finding suggests peritonitis in a client with a perforated appendix? Rigid abdomen with rebound tenderness A client is vomiting bright red blood. What is the priority nursing intervention? 2 Maintain airway and monitor vital signs closely What finding is expected in a client with severe dehydration due to diarrhea? Decreased blood pressure and dry mucous membranes What instruction is most important to give a client with GERD? Avoid lying flat immediately after meals What dietary change should be recommended to a client with diverticulitis? Low-fiber diet during acute inflammation What lab value should be monitored in a client taking lactulose? Serum ammonia What is the purpose of administering sucralfate to a client with a gastric ulcer? To form a protective barrier over the ulcer What is a key nursing priority after esophageal varices have been banded? 3 Monitor for signs of bleeding or airway obstruction A client with a feeding tube is at risk for aspiration. What is the best preventive measure? Keep the head of the bed elevated A nurse palpates a pulsating abdominal mass in a client. What is the priority action? Notify the provider immediately and avoid further palpation What finding indicates that bowel function has returned after abdominal surgery? Passage of flatus or stool What intervention is essential before performing a paracentesis? Have the client empty their bladder What is an early sign of colorectal cancer? Unexplained change in bowel habits A client reports black, tarry stools. What should the nurse assess for? 4 Upper gastrointestinal bleeding What is the best diet for a client recovering from acute pancreatitis? NPO initially, then progress to low-fat diet as tolerated What finding suggests a complication after colonoscopy?