NCLEX Gastrointestinal Disorders Practice Questions and Answers

160 Questions and Answers

$7.99

Thorough preparation in gastrointestinal (GI) nursing care is essential for success on the NCLEX-RN and NCLEX-PN exams. This comprehensive set of NCLEX Gastrointestinal Disorders Practice Questions and Answers is designed to strengthen your understanding of GI anatomy, pathophysiology, patient care, and clinical decision-making.

This practice exam covers a broad spectrum of gastrointestinal topics, including:

  • Common disorders: peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), hepatitis, pancreatitis, and more

  • Signs and symptoms of acute and chronic GI conditions

  • Nursing assessment techniques and diagnostic procedures (e.g., endoscopy, stool tests, liver function tests)

  • Nutritional therapy and GI-specific dietary guidelines

  • Pharmacological interventions including antacids, antiemetics, proton pump inhibitors, and laxatives

  • Pre- and post-operative care for procedures like bowel resections, colostomies, and appendectomies

  • Nursing priorities in managing GI bleeding, obstruction, and fluid-electrolyte imbalances

Each question is paired with a clear, concise explanation to ensure a thorough understanding of why an answer is correct—perfect for reinforcing critical thinking and exam readiness.

Whether you’re reviewing GI content for the first time or finalizing your NCLEX study plan, this practice exam helps identify weak areas and boost your confidence in handling gastrointestinal-focused questions with accuracy and clinical insight.

Sample Questions and Answers

Which of the following is the primary symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)?

A) Abdominal cramping
B) Heartburn
C) Vomiting
D) Diarrhea
Answer: B) Heartburn

A nurse is teaching a patient with peptic ulcer disease about dietary modifications. Which of the following should the nurse recommend?

A) Avoid spicy foods
B) Increase intake of citrus fruits
C) Drink coffee in moderation
D) Eat large meals three times a day
Answer: A) Avoid spicy foods

A client with cirrhosis is at risk for which complication?

A) Hyperkalemia
B) Hypertension
C) Ascites
D) Hypoglycemia
Answer: C) Ascites

The nurse is caring for a client with a colostomy. Which of the following should be included in the teaching plan?

A) The ostomy bag should be emptied when it is half full.
B) The stoma should be cleaned with alcohol.
C) It is important to change the ostomy bag once a week.
D) A pink or red stoma indicates poor perfusion.
Answer: A) The ostomy bag should be emptied when it is half full.

The nurse is caring for a patient with appendicitis. Which of the following signs would indicate a potential perforation of the appendix?

A) Severe abdominal pain with rigidity
B) Pain in the right lower quadrant (RLQ)
C) Mild fever
D) Decreased appetite
Answer: A) Severe abdominal pain with rigidity

A nurse is caring for a patient with pancreatitis. Which lab result is most indicative of this condition?

A) Elevated serum amylase
B) Low albumin levels
C) Elevated calcium levels
D) Decreased liver enzymes
Answer: A) Elevated serum amylase

A client with chronic gastritis is prescribed antacids. Which of the following should the nurse monitor for?

A) Hypercalcemia
B) Hypokalemia
C) Renal failure
D) Respiratory distress
Answer: B) Hypokalemia

The nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Which of the following should the nurse recommend to the patient?

A) Increase fiber intake
B) Decrease fluid intake
C) Avoid consuming dairy products
D) Limit exercise
Answer: A) Increase fiber intake

Which of the following is a classic symptom of celiac disease?

A) Abdominal bloating
B) Hematemesis
C) Night sweats
D) Hypertension
Answer: A) Abdominal bloating

A patient with liver cirrhosis develops hepatic encephalopathy. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

A) Administer lactulose
B) Monitor for signs of hypoglycemia
C) Encourage increased oral intake
D) Prepare the patient for a liver transplant
Answer: A) Administer lactulose

The nurse is teaching a patient with diverticulosis about dietary changes. Which of the following is the most important recommendation?

A) Increase dietary fiber
B) Avoid eating fatty foods
C) Decrease protein intake
D) Limit sodium consumption
Answer: A) Increase dietary fiber

A patient with a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis presents with severe abdominal pain. The nurse should be concerned about which potential complication?

A) Pneumonia
B) Peritonitis
C) Deep vein thrombosis
D) Liver failure
Answer: B) Peritonitis

The nurse is assessing a client for signs of dehydration. Which finding would the nurse expect to find in a patient with diarrhea?

A) Increased urine output
B) Dry mucous membranes
C) Elevated blood pressure
D) Decreased heart rate
Answer: B) Dry mucous membranes

A nurse is caring for a patient who has just undergone a cholecystectomy. Which of the following actions is appropriate?

A) Encourage the patient to eat fatty foods to stimulate bile production.
B) Assess for signs of infection at the incision site.
C) Keep the patient NPO for 72 hours post-surgery.
D) Administer pain medication after meals.
Answer: B) Assess for signs of infection at the incision site.

A nurse is educating a patient on the management of irritable bowel disease (IBD). Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching?

A) Drink caffeinated beverages to ease symptoms
B) Avoid high-fiber foods during flare-ups
C) Use over-the-counter laxatives regularly
D) Avoid high-protein diets
Answer: B) Avoid high-fiber foods during flare-ups

A patient with a history of chronic hepatitis C presents with jaundice and abdominal swelling. The nurse suspects that the patient may have developed which condition?

A) Gallstones
B) Liver cirrhosis
C) Pancreatitis
D) Esophageal varices
Answer: B) Liver cirrhosis

Which of the following interventions is appropriate for a patient with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis?

A) Encourage high-fat meals to promote nutrition
B) Administer morphine for pain control
C) Provide a high-protein, high-calorie diet
D) Maintain NPO status and provide IV fluids
Answer: D) Maintain NPO status and provide IV fluids

A patient with a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease is being discharged. The nurse should instruct the patient to avoid which of the following?

A) High-protein foods
B) Whole grains and high-fiber foods
C) Lean meats
D) Fluid intake greater than 2 liters daily
Answer: B) Whole grains and high-fiber foods

A nurse is caring for a patient post-operatively following a gastric bypass. The patient is at risk for which of the following?

A) Anemia
B) Hyperglycemia
C) Hypertension
D) Hyperkalemia
Answer: A) Anemia

A client with a history of gastric ulcers is receiving proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). The nurse should monitor the patient for which potential side effect?

A) Hypercalcemia
B) Hyperkalemia
C) Hypomagnesemia
D) Hypoglycemia
Answer: C) Hypomagnesemia

A patient with a hernia is being discharged. Which instruction should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

A) Avoid lifting heavy objects
B) Limit fluid intake
C) Engage in strenuous physical activity
D) Avoid wearing tight clothing
Answer: A) Avoid lifting heavy objects

Which of the following is the most likely cause of non-viral hepatitis?

A) Alcohol abuse
B) Eating contaminated food
C) Exposure to contaminated water
D) Family history of liver disease
Answer: A) Alcohol abuse

The nurse is caring for a patient with a nasogastric tube for gastric decompression. Which of the following should the nurse assess for?

A) Increased bowel sounds
B) Painful swallowing
C) Fluid overload
D) Respiratory distress
Answer: C) Fluid overload

Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement for a patient diagnosed with gastric cancer?

A) Encourage a high-fat, low-fiber diet
B) Provide antacids regularly
C) Administer pain medication as prescribed
D) Restrict fluids during meals
Answer: C) Administer pain medication as prescribed

A patient is being evaluated for a suspected gastrointestinal bleed. Which of the following findings would be most concerning?

A) Hematemesis
B) Weight gain
C) Increased appetite
D) Abdominal bloating
Answer: A) Hematemesis

A nurse is teaching a patient about managing chronic constipation. Which of the following should be included in the teaching plan?

A) Avoid consuming fiber-rich foods
B) Drink plenty of fluids
C) Limit exercise
D) Take laxatives daily
Answer: B) Drink plenty of fluids

A patient has been diagnosed with a small bowel obstruction. Which of the following is a typical sign of this condition?

A) Hyperactive bowel sounds
B) Absence of bowel sounds
C) Abdominal distension
D) Rapid weight loss
Answer: C) Abdominal distension

Which of the following is a typical symptom of colorectal cancer?

A) Weight loss
B) Chest pain
C) Increased thirst
D) Night sweats
Answer: A) Weight loss

A nurse is educating a patient on hepatitis A prevention. Which of the following should the nurse recommend?

A) Regular handwashing
B) Smoking cessation
C) Restricting alcohol use
D) Daily vitamin C intake
Answer: A) Regular handwashing

A patient with diverticulitis is being treated with antibiotics. Which of the following should the nurse monitor for?

A) Hypoglycemia
B) Gastrointestinal bleeding
C) Hypercalcemia
D) Severe dehydration
Answer: B) Gastrointestinal bleeding

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “NCLEX Gastrointestinal Disorders Practice Questions and Answers”

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Shopping Cart
Scroll to Top