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. After high-level disinfection, why are endoscope channels flushed with alcohol and dried with forced air? → To remove residual water that promotes microbial growth during storage
2. Which electrolyte imbalance is most commonly associated with prolonged diarrhea in GI patients? → Hypokalemia
3. A patient with GERD has failed lifestyle changes and once-daily PPI therapy. Before escalating therapy, which nursing assessment is most important? → Verifying the PPI is taken 30-60 minutes before the first meal
4. A patient becomes hypotensive (BP 78/40) during colonoscopy after moderate sedation. After stopping scope advancement, what is the nurse's first intervention? → Open IV fluids and place the patient flat while assessing responsiveness
5. A patient with ulcerative colitis is started on infliximab. Which pre-treatment screening is essential? → Tuberculosis screening
6. A patient with diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome asks about the low-FODMAP diet. Which teaching point is correct? → It is a short-term elimination diet followed by structured reintroduction of food groups
7. Why does the duodenoscope elevator mechanism pose a special reprocessing challenge? → Its complex moving parts can harbor debris and resist thorough cleaning
8. Which patient statement indicates a need for further teaching about hepatitis C transmission? → I can spread it to my family by sharing dinner plates and hugging
9. A staff member splashes glutaraldehyde disinfectant into their eyes during manual reprocessing. What is the immediate action? → Flush the eyes with copious water for at least 15 minutes
10. A patient with cirrhosis is being assessed for hepatic encephalopathy. Which technique best elicits asterixis? → Have the patient extend the arms and dorsiflex the wrists
11. Which condition involves transmural inflammation with skip lesions anywhere from mouth to anus? → Crohn's disease
12. Where does the majority of nutrient absorption occur in the GI tract? → Small intestine
13. How is the effectiveness of a steam sterilizer definitively verified? → With a biological indicator containing bacterial spores
14. GERD results primarily from dysfunction of which structure? → Lower esophageal sphincter
15. The primary role of bile in digestion is to: → Emulsify fats
16. A patient scheduled for colonoscopy at 10 AM asks when to take the second half of a split-dose bowel prep. What should the nurse advise? → Complete it 4-6 hours before the procedure
17. The primary function of the large intestine is: → Water and electrolyte reabsorption
18. A patient is being prepared for flexible sigmoidoscopy without sedation. Which teaching point is accurate? → You may feel pressure and cramping as air is introduced
19. Which finding during colonoscopy would most likely require biopsy? → A suspicious polyp or lesion
20. 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
21. Which adverse effect is most associated with long-term metoclopramide use? → Tardive dyskinesia
22. What engineering control minimizes staff exposure to glutaraldehyde vapor during manual reprocessing? → Using covered soaking basins and adequate room ventilation with fume containment
23. Portal hypertension in cirrhosis most commonly leads to which serious complication? → Esophageal varices
24. During a colonoscopy, the patient suddenly develops abdominal distension, tachycardia, and shoulder pain. What complication should the GI nurse suspect first? → Bowel perforation
25. Which post-procedure symptom after colonoscopy warrants immediate physician notification? → Severe abdominal pain and rigidity
26. Standard Precautions in the GI lab are based on which principle? → All blood and body fluids are treated as potentially infectious
27. Which waste is classified as regulated medical (biohazardous) waste in the endoscopy unit? → Blood-saturated dressings and used sharps
28. A patient beginning quadruple therapy for H. pylori with bismuth, metronidazole, tetracycline, and a PPI must avoid which substance? → Alcohol
29. Which patient with chronic constipation warrants urgent diagnostic evaluation rather than routine laxative therapy? → A 58-year-old with new constipation, weight loss, and blood in the stool
30. A patient on infliximab for Crohn's disease is due for a dose but reports a productive cough and night sweats. What is the nurse's best action? → Hold the infusion and notify the provider to rule out tuberculosis