Galen College of Nursing | Q&A 2026-2027 Complete Review Guide.
Gastrointestinal System
1. A newborn is diagnosed with rectal atresia. Which nursing intervention is the
priority after diagnosis?
A. Begin high-fiber oral feedings
B. Perform a rectal temperature
C. Keep the newborn NPO and initiate IV fluids
D. Encourage frequent breastfeeding
Correct Answer: C. Keep the newborn NPO and initiate IV fluids
Rationale: Rectal atresia causes complete obstruction, so the child is kept NPO and IV
fluids are started in preparation for immediate surgical intervention.
2. Which finding is most characteristic of rectal atresia?
A. Absence of stool passage
B. Projectile vomiting after feeding
C. Currant-jelly stools
D. Ribbon-like stools
Correct Answer: A. Absence of stool passage
Rationale: Rectal atresia is closure of the rectal passage, preventing stool from passing.
3. What is the first stage of surgical correction for rectal atresia according to the
study guide?
A. Pyloromyotomy
B. Fundoplication
C. Anal dilation only
D. Resection and colostomy
Correct Answer: D. Resection and colostomy
, Rationale: The guide describes a two-stage repair, beginning with resection and colostomy
before later pull-through and colostomy closure.
4. After surgical correction of rectal atresia, which complications should the
nurse monitor for?
A. Glomerulonephritis and hypertension
B. Fistulas and strictures
C. Seizures and cerebral edema
D. Steatorrhea and anemia
Correct Answer: B. Fistulas and strictures
Rationale: Fistula formation and stricture are specifically identified postoperative
complications of rectal atresia repair.
5. Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis occurs because of:
A. Absence of intestinal ganglion cells
B. Thickening of the pyloric sphincter causing obstruction
C. Telescoping of one bowel segment into another
D. Inflammation of the appendix
Correct Answer: B. Thickening of the pyloric sphincter causing obstruction
Rationale: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis involves thickening of the pyloric sphincter,
narrowing the pyloric canal.
6. Which vomiting pattern is most characteristic of hypertrophic pyloric
stenosis?
A. Bilious diarrhea after eating
B. Bloody emesis after every feeding
C. Regurgitation only when lying down
D. Non-bilious projectile vomiting shortly after feeding
Correct Answer: D. Non-bilious projectile vomiting shortly after feeding
, Rationale: The study guide repeatedly emphasizes new-onset, non-bilious projectile
vomiting shortly after feeding.
7. Which assessment finding supports a diagnosis of pyloric stenosis?
A. Olive-shaped mass in the right upper quadrant
B. Sausage-shaped mass in the right upper quadrant
C. Rigid lower-right abdomen
D. Bulging fontanelle
Correct Answer: A. Olive-shaped mass in the right upper quadrant
Rationale: An olive-shaped pyloric mass is a classic finding listed for hypertrophic pyloric
stenosis.
8. An upper GI series in pyloric stenosis is expected to demonstrate which
finding?
A. Steeple sign
B. Thumb sign
C. String sign
D. Crescent sign
Correct Answer: C. String sign
Rationale: The “string sign” occurs when barium passes through the narrowed pylorus.
9. A dehydrated infant with pyloric stenosis is scheduled for surgery. What
should happen first?
A. Begin full-strength formula
B. Perform immediate surgery despite electrolyte abnormalities
C. Give fruit juice
D. Correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Correct Answer: D. Correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalance
Rationale: The notes state that surgery may be delayed until dehydration and electrolyte
imbalance are corrected.
, 10. Approximately when are oral feedings reintroduced after pyloromyotomy in
the study guide?
A. Immediately in recovery
B. About 6 hours after surgery
C. After 48 hours
D. Only after the infant passes stool
Correct Answer: B. About 6 hours after surgery
Rationale: PO feedings are restarted incrementally about 6 hours after surgery rather than
waiting for bowel sounds.
11. Which feeding device is highlighted for an infant with a cleft lip or palate?
A. Haberman feeder
B. Standard short nipple
C. Nasogastric tube for every infant
D. Pacifier feeder
Correct Answer: A. Haberman feeder
Rationale: The special elongated Haberman nipple helps regulate formula flow and reduce
aspiration risk.
12. Which position is appropriate when feeding an infant with a cleft palate?
A. Flat supine
B. Prone
C. Upright
D. Trendelenburg
Correct Answer: C. Upright
Rationale: Upright positioning decreases regurgitation and aspiration risk during feeding.
13. Cleft lip repair is typically performed at approximately: