MED SURGE GI ACTUAL EXAM 2026 NURSING
EXAM READINESS GUIDE WITH KEY TOPICS
AND PRACTICE SET
◉ What are some common sites where hernias are found?
Answer: 1. umbilicus- common in children and obesity
2. groin (inguinal)- more common in males
3. hiatal (epigastric)- opening of diaphragm (where esophagus
passes through)
◉ What are common risk factors associated with hernias?
Answer: 1. lifting heavy objects
2. chronic coughs
3. straining to void or defecating (*CONSTIPATION*)
4. sneezing
◉ What are the three hernia classifications?
Answer: 1. *REDUCIBLE*= protruding organ can e returned to its
proper place by pressing on organ
2. *IRREDUCIBLE*= protruding organ is tightly wedged outside of
the cavity and cannot be pushed back through the opening
,3. *STRANGULATED*= protruding part is not replaceable and its
blood supply is cut off completely
◉ What are some complications related to hernias?
Answer: -"lump" or local swelling at the site especially with
umbilical/ inguinal/ femoral
-pain occurs when peritoneum becomes irritated or with
incarcerated and strangulated
-possible intestinal obstruction if intestine becomes blocked by
incarcerated hernia
-hiatal hernia: more GI symptoms
a. heart burn
b. regurgitation
c. dysphagia
◉ What kind of surgery is done to remove a hernia?
Answer: -Herniorrhaphy
-Out patient- procedure last about 30 minutes
-Few complications
-Conventional, Tension free mesh technique, Laparoscopic
◉ What is a hemorrhoid?
Answer: varicosities of the veins of the rectum
,◉ What is the pathophysiology of hemorrhoids?
Answer: -Hemorrhoids develop when the supporting tissues of the
anal cushions disintegrate or deteriorate.
-Hemorrhoids are therefore the pathological term to describe the
abnormal downward displacement of the anal cushions causing
venous dilatation.
◉ What are s/s of hemorrhoids?
Answer: 1. local pain and itching
2. bleeding with defecation
3. swelling can be significant- when not inflamed
(50% of people have flat pieces of tissue by the age of 50)
◉ What are some predisposing causes of hemorrhoids?
Answer: 1. *constipation and straining*
2. prolonged sitting or standing
3. pregnancy due to pelvic congestion and during labor
◉ What are some treatments used for hemorrhoids?
Answer: 1. Correcting constipation- high fiber, laxatives/stool
softeners, fluids, activity
2. Heat or cold application
, 3. Sitz baths
4. Ointments, suppositories, local anesthetic (Anusol, Proctosol)
5. Sclerotherapy: injection of solution that causes the vessel to dry
up and disintegrate
6. Cryotherapy: freezing causes necrosis and shriveling
7. Photocoagulation- burning the tissue
8. Hemorrhoidectomy- laser or standard surgical procedure (post op
rectal tube or packing to absorb blood and allow flatus to pass)
9. Rubber band legation- cut off blood supply
◉ What are some nursing interventions related to hemorrhoids?
Answer: 1. Analgesics- painful especially after surgery
2. Cold or warm compresses and sitz baths
3. Rubber or air filled ring (donut). Squeeze buttocks together before
sitting.
4. Commercially prepared mild, wet dressing: TUCKS® pads to
reduce swelling and pain (keep in frig)
5. Stool softeners
6. High fiber diet
7. Meticulous hygiene
◉ What is enteral nutrition?
EXAM READINESS GUIDE WITH KEY TOPICS
AND PRACTICE SET
◉ What are some common sites where hernias are found?
Answer: 1. umbilicus- common in children and obesity
2. groin (inguinal)- more common in males
3. hiatal (epigastric)- opening of diaphragm (where esophagus
passes through)
◉ What are common risk factors associated with hernias?
Answer: 1. lifting heavy objects
2. chronic coughs
3. straining to void or defecating (*CONSTIPATION*)
4. sneezing
◉ What are the three hernia classifications?
Answer: 1. *REDUCIBLE*= protruding organ can e returned to its
proper place by pressing on organ
2. *IRREDUCIBLE*= protruding organ is tightly wedged outside of
the cavity and cannot be pushed back through the opening
,3. *STRANGULATED*= protruding part is not replaceable and its
blood supply is cut off completely
◉ What are some complications related to hernias?
Answer: -"lump" or local swelling at the site especially with
umbilical/ inguinal/ femoral
-pain occurs when peritoneum becomes irritated or with
incarcerated and strangulated
-possible intestinal obstruction if intestine becomes blocked by
incarcerated hernia
-hiatal hernia: more GI symptoms
a. heart burn
b. regurgitation
c. dysphagia
◉ What kind of surgery is done to remove a hernia?
Answer: -Herniorrhaphy
-Out patient- procedure last about 30 minutes
-Few complications
-Conventional, Tension free mesh technique, Laparoscopic
◉ What is a hemorrhoid?
Answer: varicosities of the veins of the rectum
,◉ What is the pathophysiology of hemorrhoids?
Answer: -Hemorrhoids develop when the supporting tissues of the
anal cushions disintegrate or deteriorate.
-Hemorrhoids are therefore the pathological term to describe the
abnormal downward displacement of the anal cushions causing
venous dilatation.
◉ What are s/s of hemorrhoids?
Answer: 1. local pain and itching
2. bleeding with defecation
3. swelling can be significant- when not inflamed
(50% of people have flat pieces of tissue by the age of 50)
◉ What are some predisposing causes of hemorrhoids?
Answer: 1. *constipation and straining*
2. prolonged sitting or standing
3. pregnancy due to pelvic congestion and during labor
◉ What are some treatments used for hemorrhoids?
Answer: 1. Correcting constipation- high fiber, laxatives/stool
softeners, fluids, activity
2. Heat or cold application
, 3. Sitz baths
4. Ointments, suppositories, local anesthetic (Anusol, Proctosol)
5. Sclerotherapy: injection of solution that causes the vessel to dry
up and disintegrate
6. Cryotherapy: freezing causes necrosis and shriveling
7. Photocoagulation- burning the tissue
8. Hemorrhoidectomy- laser or standard surgical procedure (post op
rectal tube or packing to absorb blood and allow flatus to pass)
9. Rubber band legation- cut off blood supply
◉ What are some nursing interventions related to hemorrhoids?
Answer: 1. Analgesics- painful especially after surgery
2. Cold or warm compresses and sitz baths
3. Rubber or air filled ring (donut). Squeeze buttocks together before
sitting.
4. Commercially prepared mild, wet dressing: TUCKS® pads to
reduce swelling and pain (keep in frig)
5. Stool softeners
6. High fiber diet
7. Meticulous hygiene
◉ What is enteral nutrition?
