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

Patients with GERD should avoid lying down for at least 2 to 3 hours after eating to prevent reflux. Eating immediately before bed is contraindicated. The other statements demonstrate correct understanding of lifestyle modifications for GERD management.

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

Because the patient will receive sedation for the colonoscopy, they will be unable to drive or operate machinery for the remainder of the day. Ensuring they have arranged for a responsible adult to drive them home is essential for their safety and to prevent a last-minute cancellation of the procedure. While other assessments are important, the lack of a driver is an immediate safety risk and procedural barrier.

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

A rigid, board-like abdomen with rebound tenderness are classic signs of peritonitis, a life-threatening complication of Crohn's disease that can result from a bowel perforation. This finding requires immediate notification of the physician and intervention. The other findings are common during a flare-up but do not signify the same level of acuity.

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

Vomiting material that looks like coffee grounds (hematemesis) is a sign of a significant upper GI bleed, a potential complication of an EGD, especially after a biopsy. A mild sore throat, bloating, and drowsiness are expected side effects from the procedure and sedation. A small streak of blood can be normal from minor irritation.

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

Hepatic encephalopathy is a decline in brain function that occurs as a result of severe liver disease. The classic signs are changes in mental status, such as confusion, and the presence of asterixis (a flapping tremor of the hands). The other options are signs of cirrhosis but are not specific to encephalopathy.

Certified Gastroenterology RN Practice Test

Certified Gastroenterology RN Practice Test

Certified Gastroenterology RN Patient Assessment and Education Questions and Answers