LPN Med Surgery Gestrointestune Study Guide

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Sample questions from LPN Med Surgery Gestrointestune Study Guide

This material has 24 questions with answers and rationales. Here are the first 5.

1. 1.An older adult reports new constipation after starting an opioid pain medication. Which finding requires prompt reporting to the registered nurse or provider rather than routine constipation teaching?

   • A.Hard stools that require straining
   • B.A diet low in fruits and vegetables
   • C.Abdominal distention, vomiting, and inability to pass gas
   • D.Reduced activity since starting the pain medication

   Rationale: Distention, vomiting, and inability to pass gas suggest bowel obstruction and require prompt evaluation. Hard stools and straining are common constipation symptoms. Low fiber intake and reduced activity can contribute to constipation but are not, by themselves, signs of an acute obstruction.

2. 2.A patient returns from an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy after receiving sedation and a topical throat anesthetic. Which action should the LPN take before offering oral fluids?

   • A.Confirm that swallowing and protective throat reflexes have returned according to facility protocol
   • B.Offer a small sip of water to determine whether the throat is still numb
   • C.Place the patient flat and wait until the next scheduled meal
   • D.Give the prescribed oral medications before offering fluids

   Rationale: Oral intake should wait until the patient is sufficiently alert and swallowing and protective throat reflexes have returned, reducing aspiration risk. Giving water to test a numb throat can cause aspiration. Lying flat increases aspiration risk, and a scheduled meal time does not establish swallowing safety. Oral medications also require safe swallowing.

3. 3.A patient with peptic ulcer disease tests positive for H. pylori and receives prescriptions for acid suppression and several antimicrobial medications. Which statement shows correct understanding of discharge teaching?

   • A.I can stop the antimicrobial medications when the burning pain disappears.
   • B.I should take ibuprofen for stomach discomfort because it does not affect ulcers.
   • C.I only need the acid-suppressing medication because it eliminates H. pylori by itself.
   • D.I should complete the prescribed treatment and return for testing to confirm that the infection is gone.

   Rationale: Completing the prescribed combination regimen and obtaining follow-up testing help confirm eradication of H. pylori. Symptom relief does not prove the infection is gone. Ibuprofen is an NSAID that can worsen ulcers and bleeding. Acid suppression promotes healing but does not eradicate H. pylori by itself.

4. 4.A hospitalized patient develops frequent watery stools after antibiotic therapy, and C. difficile infection is suspected. Which nursing action is most appropriate?

   • A.Use standard precautions alone unless the stool contains visible blood
   • B.Initiate contact precautions according to facility policy and wash hands with soap and water after care
   • C.Give an available PRN antidiarrheal immediately before reporting the symptoms
   • D.Restrict oral fluids to decrease stool frequency

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.

5. 5.A patient with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy is receiving lactulose. Which finding best indicates that treatment is having the intended effect?

   • A.The patient has no bowel movements for 24 hours.
   • B.The patient develops six watery stools and dizziness when standing.
   • C.The patient becomes more alert and passes two to three soft stools daily.
   • D.The patient's abdominal girth increases and urine output decreases.

   Answer and rationale are in the full material.