ATI Medical-Surgical Gastrointestinal Exam
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD). Which instruction should the nurse include in
the client's discharge teaching?
A. Eat a large meal immediately before bedtime.
B. Drink peppermint tea before sleeping.
C. Avoid eating within several hours of bedtime.
D. Lie flat after meals to promote digestion.
Correct Answer: C. Avoid eating within several hours of
bedtime.
Rationale: Remaining upright after meals and avoiding food
close to bedtime can reduce gastric reflux into the esophagus.
Lying down soon after eating increases the likelihood that
gastric contents will move upward into the esophagus. Large
meals can increase gastric distention and worsen reflux
symptoms. Peppermint may relax the lower esophageal
,sphincter and can aggravate GERD in some clients. The nurse
should also reinforce other measures such as maintaining an
appropriate weight, avoiding individual trigger foods, elevating
the head of the bed when nighttime symptoms occur, and taking
prescribed medications correctly.
Question 2
A client with peptic ulcer disease suddenly develops severe
abdominal pain and a rigid, board-like abdomen. Which
complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Gastric outlet obstruction
B. Perforation with peritonitis
C. Dumping syndrome
D. Gastroesophageal reflux
Correct Answer: B. Perforation with peritonitis.
Rationale: Sudden, severe abdominal pain accompanied by
abdominal rigidity is highly concerning for perforation of a
gastrointestinal ulcer with leakage of gastric or intestinal
contents into the peritoneal cavity. Peritonitis can rapidly
progress to systemic infection, shock, and organ dysfunction.
This is an emergency requiring immediate medical evaluation.
Gastric outlet obstruction generally produces symptoms such as
,persistent vomiting, early satiety, and abdominal distention
rather than an acute rigid abdomen.
Question 3
A nurse is teaching a client who is taking omeprazole for peptic
ulcer disease. Which statement by the client indicates correct
understanding?
A. "I should take this medication only when my pain becomes
severe."
B. "I should crush the medication before taking it."
C. "I should take the medication as prescribed even if my
symptoms improve."
D. "I should stop the medication as soon as my appetite
returns."
Correct Answer: C. "I should take the medication as prescribed
even if my symptoms improve."
Rationale: Proton pump inhibitors reduce gastric acid secretion
and are commonly used in the management of acid-related
gastrointestinal disorders. Symptom improvement does not
necessarily mean that the underlying condition has completely
healed. The client should follow the prescribed regimen for the
recommended duration. Many delayed-release formulations
, should not be crushed because altering the formulation can
interfere with the intended delivery of the medication.
Question 4
A client with an upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage has a blood
pressure of 86/50 mm Hg, heart rate of 124/min, and cool,
clammy skin. Which action is the nurse's priority?
A. Offer oral fluids.
B. Obtain a stool specimen.
C. Encourage ambulation.
D. Initiate measures to support circulation and notify the
appropriate provider immediately.
Correct Answer: D. Initiate measures to support circulation
and notify the appropriate provider immediately.
Rationale: Hypotension, tachycardia, and cool, clammy skin
indicate possible hypovolemic shock caused by significant blood
loss. The immediate priority is circulation. The nurse should
rapidly assess airway and breathing, establish or maintain
appropriate vascular access, administer prescribed fluids or
blood products, monitor vital signs closely, and notify the
provider or rapid-response team according to the severity of the
client's condition. Oral fluids and ambulation are inappropriate
for an unstable client.
Questions with Correct Answers
(VerifiedAnswers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A
Instant Download PDF
Question 1
A nurse is caring for a client who has gastroesophageal reflux
disease (GERD). Which instruction should the nurse include in
the client's discharge teaching?
A. Eat a large meal immediately before bedtime.
B. Drink peppermint tea before sleeping.
C. Avoid eating within several hours of bedtime.
D. Lie flat after meals to promote digestion.
Correct Answer: C. Avoid eating within several hours of
bedtime.
Rationale: Remaining upright after meals and avoiding food
close to bedtime can reduce gastric reflux into the esophagus.
Lying down soon after eating increases the likelihood that
gastric contents will move upward into the esophagus. Large
meals can increase gastric distention and worsen reflux
symptoms. Peppermint may relax the lower esophageal
,sphincter and can aggravate GERD in some clients. The nurse
should also reinforce other measures such as maintaining an
appropriate weight, avoiding individual trigger foods, elevating
the head of the bed when nighttime symptoms occur, and taking
prescribed medications correctly.
Question 2
A client with peptic ulcer disease suddenly develops severe
abdominal pain and a rigid, board-like abdomen. Which
complication should the nurse suspect?
A. Gastric outlet obstruction
B. Perforation with peritonitis
C. Dumping syndrome
D. Gastroesophageal reflux
Correct Answer: B. Perforation with peritonitis.
Rationale: Sudden, severe abdominal pain accompanied by
abdominal rigidity is highly concerning for perforation of a
gastrointestinal ulcer with leakage of gastric or intestinal
contents into the peritoneal cavity. Peritonitis can rapidly
progress to systemic infection, shock, and organ dysfunction.
This is an emergency requiring immediate medical evaluation.
Gastric outlet obstruction generally produces symptoms such as
,persistent vomiting, early satiety, and abdominal distention
rather than an acute rigid abdomen.
Question 3
A nurse is teaching a client who is taking omeprazole for peptic
ulcer disease. Which statement by the client indicates correct
understanding?
A. "I should take this medication only when my pain becomes
severe."
B. "I should crush the medication before taking it."
C. "I should take the medication as prescribed even if my
symptoms improve."
D. "I should stop the medication as soon as my appetite
returns."
Correct Answer: C. "I should take the medication as prescribed
even if my symptoms improve."
Rationale: Proton pump inhibitors reduce gastric acid secretion
and are commonly used in the management of acid-related
gastrointestinal disorders. Symptom improvement does not
necessarily mean that the underlying condition has completely
healed. The client should follow the prescribed regimen for the
recommended duration. Many delayed-release formulations
, should not be crushed because altering the formulation can
interfere with the intended delivery of the medication.
Question 4
A client with an upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage has a blood
pressure of 86/50 mm Hg, heart rate of 124/min, and cool,
clammy skin. Which action is the nurse's priority?
A. Offer oral fluids.
B. Obtain a stool specimen.
C. Encourage ambulation.
D. Initiate measures to support circulation and notify the
appropriate provider immediately.
Correct Answer: D. Initiate measures to support circulation
and notify the appropriate provider immediately.
Rationale: Hypotension, tachycardia, and cool, clammy skin
indicate possible hypovolemic shock caused by significant blood
loss. The immediate priority is circulation. The nurse should
rapidly assess airway and breathing, establish or maintain
appropriate vascular access, administer prescribed fluids or
blood products, monitor vital signs closely, and notify the
provider or rapid-response team according to the severity of the
client's condition. Oral fluids and ambulation are inappropriate
for an unstable client.
