NUR 314 GI EXAM 2026/2027 | COMPLETE GASTROINTESTINAL
NURSING STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
1. Which expected outcome is most appropriate for the RN to include in the
home care plan for a patient with a new colostomy?
The patient will check the colostomy bag daily.
The patient will demonstrate colostomy care.
The patient will clean the colostomy site with sterile H2O.
The patient will irrigate the colostomy 2 times a day.
2. A patient with acute pancreatitis is receiving IV lipids and shows a sudden
increase in triglyceride levels. What should be the immediate nursing
intervention?
Adjust the IV lipid infusion rate and notify the healthcare provider.
Continue the infusion without changes.
Increase the patient's oral intake of fats.
Administer insulin to lower triglyceride levels.
3. Why is it important for patients with a new colostomy to understand skin
integrity?
Maintaining skin integrity prevents complications and promotes
healing around the stoma.
Skin integrity is unrelated to colostomy care.
Skin integrity only matters for patients with chronic wounds.
Skin integrity is only important during the first week post-surgery.
,4. What respiratory rate indicates a need for immediate intervention after an
esophagectomy?
24
36
30
20
5. Which sign is characterized by abdominal skin discoloration associated with
acute pancreatitis?
Murphy's sign
Kehr's sign
Cullen's sign
Grey Turner's spots
6. What is the primary benefit of dietary restrictions for patients with
gastrointestinal disorders?
Enhance medication absorption
Reduce the need for surgery
Prevent symptom exacerbation and promote healing
Increase appetite and weight gain
7. A patient with GERD reports high levels of stress affecting their symptoms.
Which combination of techniques would be most beneficial for this patient?
Deep breathing exercises and meditation
Skipping meals and avoiding hydration
, Intense physical exercise and caffeine consumption
Watching television and eating snacks
8. What is the current recommendation for pain management in clients with
acute pancreatitis?
Parenteral opioids
Enteral opioids
Subcutaneous opioids
Oral opioids
9. If a patient with GERD is not responding to lifestyle modifications, what role
might drug therapies play in their treatment plan?
They will only provide temporary relief without addressing the
condition.
They will eliminate the need for any further medical intervention.
They will replace the need for dietary restrictions.
They may help alleviate symptoms and treat the underlying causes
of GERD.
10. What is an appropriate nutrition recommendation for a patient with severe
acute pancreatitis?
Patients will always need to be fed by parenteral nutrition due to
need for bowel rest.
Patients should be fed via enteral route whenever possible.
TPN is contraindicated in the presence of ileum, fistula, or high NG
output
Patients should remain NPO until severe acute pancreatitis resolves.
, 11. What is the primary action of Proton Pump Inhibitors in the treatment of
gastrointestinal conditions?
Enhance digestive enzyme production.
Decrease hydrochloric acid secretion.
Stimulate mucus production.
Increase gastric motility.
12. Antacids neutralize gastric acid and are used to treat:
Irritable bowel syndrome
Heartburn and indigestion
Heartburn and acid indigestion
Constipation
13. A patient with GERD is experiencing frequent heartburn despite medication.
What dietary modification might you recommend to help manage their
symptoms?
Eating large meals before bedtime
Avoiding spicy foods and citrus fruits
Increasing caffeine intake
Consuming high-fat foods
14. If a patient with a new colostomy reports redness and irritation around the
stoma, what should the nurse prioritize in their response?
Schedule a follow-up appointment for surgery.
Encourage the patient to ignore the symptoms.
NURSING STUDY GUIDE | PRACTICE QUESTIONS AND CORRECT
ANSWERS
1. Which expected outcome is most appropriate for the RN to include in the
home care plan for a patient with a new colostomy?
The patient will check the colostomy bag daily.
The patient will demonstrate colostomy care.
The patient will clean the colostomy site with sterile H2O.
The patient will irrigate the colostomy 2 times a day.
2. A patient with acute pancreatitis is receiving IV lipids and shows a sudden
increase in triglyceride levels. What should be the immediate nursing
intervention?
Adjust the IV lipid infusion rate and notify the healthcare provider.
Continue the infusion without changes.
Increase the patient's oral intake of fats.
Administer insulin to lower triglyceride levels.
3. Why is it important for patients with a new colostomy to understand skin
integrity?
Maintaining skin integrity prevents complications and promotes
healing around the stoma.
Skin integrity is unrelated to colostomy care.
Skin integrity only matters for patients with chronic wounds.
Skin integrity is only important during the first week post-surgery.
,4. What respiratory rate indicates a need for immediate intervention after an
esophagectomy?
24
36
30
20
5. Which sign is characterized by abdominal skin discoloration associated with
acute pancreatitis?
Murphy's sign
Kehr's sign
Cullen's sign
Grey Turner's spots
6. What is the primary benefit of dietary restrictions for patients with
gastrointestinal disorders?
Enhance medication absorption
Reduce the need for surgery
Prevent symptom exacerbation and promote healing
Increase appetite and weight gain
7. A patient with GERD reports high levels of stress affecting their symptoms.
Which combination of techniques would be most beneficial for this patient?
Deep breathing exercises and meditation
Skipping meals and avoiding hydration
, Intense physical exercise and caffeine consumption
Watching television and eating snacks
8. What is the current recommendation for pain management in clients with
acute pancreatitis?
Parenteral opioids
Enteral opioids
Subcutaneous opioids
Oral opioids
9. If a patient with GERD is not responding to lifestyle modifications, what role
might drug therapies play in their treatment plan?
They will only provide temporary relief without addressing the
condition.
They will eliminate the need for any further medical intervention.
They will replace the need for dietary restrictions.
They may help alleviate symptoms and treat the underlying causes
of GERD.
10. What is an appropriate nutrition recommendation for a patient with severe
acute pancreatitis?
Patients will always need to be fed by parenteral nutrition due to
need for bowel rest.
Patients should be fed via enteral route whenever possible.
TPN is contraindicated in the presence of ileum, fistula, or high NG
output
Patients should remain NPO until severe acute pancreatitis resolves.
, 11. What is the primary action of Proton Pump Inhibitors in the treatment of
gastrointestinal conditions?
Enhance digestive enzyme production.
Decrease hydrochloric acid secretion.
Stimulate mucus production.
Increase gastric motility.
12. Antacids neutralize gastric acid and are used to treat:
Irritable bowel syndrome
Heartburn and indigestion
Heartburn and acid indigestion
Constipation
13. A patient with GERD is experiencing frequent heartburn despite medication.
What dietary modification might you recommend to help manage their
symptoms?
Eating large meals before bedtime
Avoiding spicy foods and citrus fruits
Increasing caffeine intake
Consuming high-fat foods
14. If a patient with a new colostomy reports redness and irritation around the
stoma, what should the nurse prioritize in their response?
Schedule a follow-up appointment for surgery.
Encourage the patient to ignore the symptoms.
