Certified Gastroenterology RN Patient Assessment and Education 2

Question 1

During abdominal assessment, in what order should the nurse perform the examination techniques?

Accepted Answer

Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation

Answer

Auscultation is performed before percussion and palpation because manipulating the abdomen can alter bowel sounds.

Question 2

A patient scheduled for colonoscopy reports taking warfarin daily. What is the nurse's priority action?

Accepted Answer

Notify the provider to determine anticoagulation management before the procedure

Answer

Anticoagulants increase bleeding risk during polypectomy, so the provider must direct any hold or bridging plan.

Question 3

Which finding during assessment of a patient with suspected upper GI bleeding is most consistent with melena?

Accepted Answer

Black, tarry, foul-smelling stools

Answer

Melena results from digested blood from an upper GI source, producing black, tarry, malodorous stools.

Question 4

When assessing a patient's readiness to learn ostomy self-care, which factor is most important to evaluate first?

Accepted Answer

The patient's emotional acceptance of the stoma

Answer

Learning cannot proceed effectively until the patient begins to emotionally accept the body image change.

Question 5

A patient with cirrhosis is being assessed for hepatic encephalopathy. Which technique best elicits asterixis?

Accepted Answer

Have the patient extend the arms and dorsiflex the wrists

Answer

Asterixis, a flapping tremor seen with wrist dorsiflexion on extended arms, indicates rising ammonia levels.

Certified Gastroenterology RN Practice Test