Certified Gastroenterology RN Managing GI Health Conditions 5

Question 1

A patient with achalasia asks why swallowing is difficult. Which explanation is accurate?

Accepted Answer

The lower esophageal sphincter fails to relax and peristalsis is impaired

Answer

Achalasia involves failure of LES relaxation and loss of esophageal peristalsis.

Question 2

Which lab result supports a diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in a patient with ascites?

Accepted Answer

Ascitic fluid absolute neutrophil count of 350 cells/mm³

Answer

An ascitic fluid absolute neutrophil count of 250 cells/mm³ or greater confirms SBP.

Question 3

A patient with dumping syndrome after gastrectomy should be taught which strategy?

Accepted Answer

Eat small, frequent meals low in simple sugars and avoid fluids with meals

Answer

Small, low-sugar meals with fluids between meals slow gastric emptying and prevent dumping symptoms.

Question 4

A patient with hemochromatosis-related liver disease will most likely be managed with which therapy?

Accepted Answer

Scheduled therapeutic phlebotomy

Answer

Phlebotomy removes excess iron and is the mainstay of hemochromatosis management.

Question 5

Which patient with chronic constipation warrants urgent diagnostic evaluation rather than routine laxative therapy?

Accepted Answer

A 58-year-old with new constipation, weight loss, and blood in the stool

Answer

New-onset constipation with weight loss and rectal bleeding after age 50 are alarm features for colorectal cancer.

Certified Gastroenterology RN Practice Test