Certified Gastroenterology RN Managing GI Health Conditions 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A patient with esophageal varices is prescribed octreotide. What is the primary purpose of this medication?
- Reduce portal venous pressure (Correct answer)
- Increase gastric acid secretion
- Stimulate esophageal peristalsis
- Prevent Clostridioides difficile infection
Correct answer: Reduce portal venous pressure
Octreotide causes splanchnic vasoconstriction, lowering portal pressure and reducing variceal bleeding.
Question 2: Which assessment finding suggests peritonitis in a patient with diverticulitis?
- Rigid, board-like abdomen with rebound tenderness (Correct answer)
- Hyperactive bowel sounds in all quadrants
- Soft abdomen with mild left lower quadrant tenderness
- Increased appetite and flatulence
Correct answer: Rigid, board-like abdomen with rebound tenderness
Abdominal rigidity and rebound tenderness indicate peritoneal inflammation from possible perforation.
Question 3: A patient taking sulfasalazine for inflammatory bowel disease should be advised to supplement which nutrient?
- Folic acid (Correct answer)
- Vitamin K
- Zinc
- Vitamin A
Correct answer: Folic acid
Sulfasalazine impairs folate absorption, so folic acid supplementation is recommended.
Question 4: Which patient is at highest risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma?
- A patient with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis (Correct answer)
- A patient with resolved hepatitis A infection
- A patient with mild fatty liver and normal enzymes
- A patient with Gilbert's syndrome
Correct answer: A patient with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis
Chronic hepatitis B with cirrhosis carries the highest risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Question 5: After a paracentesis removing 6 liters of ascitic fluid, which medication does the nurse anticipate administering?
- IV albumin (Correct answer)
- Oral lactulose
- IV pantoprazole
- Subcutaneous heparin
Correct answer: IV albumin
Albumin is given after large-volume paracentesis to prevent post-paracentesis circulatory dysfunction.
Question 6: A patient with irritable bowel syndrome asks about the low-FODMAP diet. Which food should be avoided during the elimination phase?
- Onions and garlic (Correct answer)
- White rice
- Firm bananas
- Eggs
Correct answer: Onions and garlic
Onions and garlic are high in fructans, a FODMAP that commonly triggers IBS symptoms.
Question 7: Which finding in a patient with a new ileostomy requires immediate provider notification?
- Dusky, purple stoma color (Correct answer)
- Stoma output of 800 mL in 24 hours
- Mild peristomal skin redness
- Flatus from the stoma
Correct answer: Dusky, purple stoma color
A dusky or purple stoma indicates compromised blood flow and possible ischemia.
Certified Gastroenterology RN Managing GI Health Conditions 3
A patient with esophageal varices is prescribed octreotide.
What is the primary purpose of this medication?