Certified Gastroenterology RN Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Certified Gastroenterology RN facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with prolonged diarrhea in GI patients? → Hypokalemia
2. Which statement about omega-3 fatty acid supplementation is most accurate for patients with inflammatory bowel disease? → It may have anti-inflammatory benefits and help reduce disease activity
3. Which one of the following is a benzodiazepine reversal medication for an overly sedated patient? → romazicon (Flumazenil)
4. Which assessment finding indicates a patient receiving enteral tube feeding is at risk for aspiration? → Absent bowel sounds with distension
5. A patient with gastroparesis should be advised to eat meals that are: → Small, frequent, and low in fat and fiber
6. Which diet is most appropriate for a patient with newly diagnosed Celiac disease? → Gluten-free diet
7. Which of the following is a primary indication for emergency surgical intervention in a patient with upper GI bleeding? → Failed endoscopic hemostasis with persistent hemorrhage and hemodynamic instability
8. Which stage of digestion is not existent? → Expulsion
9. A patient with short bowel syndrome is at greatest risk for deficiency of which vitamin? → Vitamin B12
10. Which document serves as the primary reference for gastroenterology nursing scope and standards of practice in the United States? → SGNA Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice
11. A patient with ulcerative colitis is prescribed sulfasalazine. Which of the following statements by the patient indicates a need for further teaching? → "I can crush the enteric-coated tablet to make it easier to swallow."
12. Which of the following is evaluated primarily using doppler ultrasound? → Blood flow
13. A gastroenterology nurse notices that endoscope reprocessing times are inconsistent among staff. The best initial response is to: → Conduct a root cause analysis to identify reasons for the variation
14. Which IV access is most appropriate for the initial resuscitation of a patient with active GI bleeding? → Two large-bore (16-gauge or larger) peripheral IVs
15. A Dieulafoy lesion is best characterized as: → An ectatic submucosal artery that erodes through the overlying mucosa without an ulcer
16. Which patient position is recommended for a patient actively vomiting blood to minimize the risk of aspiration? → Left lateral decubitus (left-side down)
17. Which staffing model promotes continuity of care and accountability in a GI endoscopy unit? → Primary nursing model
18. A patient is admitted to the hospital with an acute, uncomplicated episode of diverticulitis. Which of the following initial orders should the nurse anticipate? → Bowel rest (NPO or clear liquids) and intravenous antibiotics.
19. Which of the following layers of the gastrointestinal wall is responsible for peristalsis and contains the myenteric plexus (Auerbach's plexus)? → Muscularis externa
20. Which of the following is a primary goal of the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA)? → Setting standards of practice and promoting professional development
21. The Glasgow-Blatchford score is used in the management of upper GI bleeding to: → Identify low-risk patients who may be safely managed as outpatients
22. A patient with newly diagnosed GERD receives education from the gastroenterology nurse. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching? → "I will try to eat my dinner right before I go to bed to prevent nighttime hunger."
23. What digestive enzymes are present in the mouth? → Amylase
24. A GI nurse participates in a mock survey to prepare for a Joint Commission inspection. This is an example of which type of quality activity? → Prospective quality assurance activity
25. A patient with Crohn's disease is experiencing an acute flare. Which nutritional intervention is most appropriate? → Enteral nutrition via nasogastric tube
26. 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? → A rigid, board-like abdomen with rebound tenderness.
27. The Rockall score is primarily used to: → Predict rebleeding risk and mortality in upper GI bleeding
28. 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? → Medication adherence and signs of a flare-up.
29. A GI nurse is educating a patient with lactose intolerance. Which food would be most appropriate to recommend? → Hard aged cheese
30. When educating a patient who has recovered from an NSAID-induced GI bleed, which discharge instruction is most important? → Discuss alternative analgesics and the need for a PPI if NSAIDs cannot be avoided