Certified Gastroenterology RN Patient Assessment and Education Questions and Answers

Question 1

A patient with newly diagnosed GERD receives education from the gastroenterology nurse. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching?

Accepted Answer

"I will try to eat my dinner right before I go to bed to prevent nighttime hunger."

Answer

"I should elevate the head of my bed by 6 to 8 inches."

Answer

"I'm going to avoid coffee, chocolate, and peppermint to see if that helps my symptoms."

Answer

"I will try eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of three large ones."

Question 2

A 58-year-old male is scheduled for his first screening colonoscopy. During the pre-procedure assessment call, which of the following is the MOST critical piece of information for the nurse to verify?

Accepted Answer

That the patient has a designated driver for after the procedure.

Answer

The patient's preferred brand of clear liquid for the bowel prep.

Answer

Whether the patient has any cultural objections to the procedure.

Answer

The patient's work schedule for the week following the procedure.

Question 3

When developing a plan of care for a patient with an acute exacerbation of Crohn's disease, which assessment finding requires the nurse's immediate attention?

Accepted Answer

A rigid, board-like abdomen with rebound tenderness.

Answer

Reports of 5-6 loose, non-bloody stools in the past 24 hours.

Answer

A low-grade fever and a C-reactive protein of 15 mg/L.

Answer

Patient states they feel fatigued and have a poor appetite.

Question 4

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a patient who just underwent an upper endoscopy (EGD) with biopsy. Which of the following should the nurse instruct the patient to report immediately?

Accepted Answer

Vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds.

Answer

A mild sore throat and a feeling of bloating.

Answer

Drowsiness for several hours after the procedure.

Answer

One small streak of blood in the saliva shortly after the procedure.

Question 5

During an initial assessment of a patient with cirrhosis, which of the following signs and symptoms would be most indicative of hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

Asterixis and confusion.

Answer

Jaundice and pruritus.

Answer

Ascites and peripheral edema.

Answer

Palmar erythema and spider angiomas.

Question 6

Which of the following topics is essential for the nurse to include in the education of a patient being discharged with a new diagnosis of ulcerative colitis?

Accepted Answer

Medication adherence and signs of a flare-up.

Answer

The need for annual liver enzyme monitoring.

Answer

Instructions for daily parenteral nutrition.

Answer

The benefits of a high-fiber diet during an exacerbation.