Certified Gastroenterology RN Certified Gastroenterology RN MCQ 2

Question 1

A patient recovering from a colonoscopy with polypectomy reports severe abdominal pain, distension, and a fever of 101.2°F. What should the gastroenterology nurse suspect first?

Accepted Answer

Bowel perforation

Answer

Severe pain, distension, and fever after polypectomy are classic warning signs of bowel perforation, a surgical emergency.

Question 2

Which lab value most strongly indicates that a patient with acute pancreatitis is developing severe disease?

Accepted Answer

Elevated C-reactive protein above 150 mg/L at 48 hours

Answer

CRP above 150 mg/L at 48 hours is a validated marker of severe pancreatitis, while amylase level does not correlate with severity.

Question 3

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?

Accepted Answer

Hold the infusion and notify the provider to rule out tuberculosis

Answer

Anti-TNF agents can reactivate latent tuberculosis, so symptoms suggestive of TB require holding the dose and provider evaluation.

Question 4

During an EGD with moderate sedation, the patient's oxygen saturation drops to 86%. What should the nurse do first?

Accepted Answer

Stimulate the patient and perform a chin lift while increasing supplemental oxygen

Answer

Airway repositioning, stimulation, and increased oxygen are the first-line responses to sedation-related desaturation before reversal agents.

Question 5

Which finding in a patient with cirrhosis most urgently suggests spontaneous bacterial peritonitis?

Accepted Answer

Ascitic fluid neutrophil count of 400 cells/mm³

Answer

An ascitic fluid absolute neutrophil count of 250 cells/mm³ or greater is diagnostic of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis.

Certified Gastroenterology RN Practice Test

Certified Gastroenterology RN Practice Test

Certified Gastroenterology RN Certified Gastroenterology RN MCQ 2