Certified Gastroenterology RN General 4

Question 1

A patient with Crohn's disease develops a small bowel obstruction. Which assessment finding is most consistent with this complication?

Accepted Answer

High-pitched bowel sounds above the obstruction with abdominal distention

Answer

Early mechanical obstruction produces hyperactive, high-pitched sounds proximal to the blockage along with distention and vomiting.

Question 2

Which patient is at highest risk for developing hepatic encephalopathy?

Accepted Answer

A cirrhotic patient with a GI bleed and constipation

Answer

GI bleeding and constipation both increase ammonia production and absorption, precipitating encephalopathy in cirrhosis.

Question 3

Lactulose is prescribed for a patient with hepatic encephalopathy. The nurse knows the therapeutic goal is which outcome?

Accepted Answer

Two to three soft stools daily with improved mentation

Answer

Lactulose is titrated to 2-3 soft stools per day to trap and excrete ammonia without causing dehydration.

Question 4

A patient reports dysphagia to solids that has progressed to liquids over 3 months, with a 15-pound weight loss. The nurse recognizes this pattern is most concerning for which condition?

Accepted Answer

Esophageal malignancy

Answer

Progressive solids-to-liquids dysphagia with weight loss is an alarm pattern suggesting an obstructing esophageal tumor.

Question 5

Which position is generally preferred for initiating a colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

Left lateral (Sims) position

Answer

The left lateral position aligns the rectosigmoid colon for easier scope insertion and patient comfort.

Certified Gastroenterology RN Practice Test

Certified Gastroenterology RN Practice Test

Certified Gastroenterology RN General 4