GI EXAM STUDY GUIDE QUESTIONS
ANSD ANSWERS 2025-2026 GRADED A
The nurse caring for a client with small-bowel obstruction would plan to implement
which nursing intervention first?
a. Administering pain medication
b. Obtaining a blood sample for laboratory studies
c. Preparing to insert a nasogastric (NG) tube
d. Administering I.V. fluids - Answer D. I.V. infusions containing normal saline solution
and potassium should be given first to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. For the
client's comfort and to assist in bowel decompression, the nurse should prepare to
insert an NG tube next. A blood sample is then obtained for laboratory studies to aid in
the diagnosis of bowel obstruction and guide treatment. Blood studies usually include a
complete blood count, serum electrolyte levels, and blood urea nitrogen level. Pain
medication often is withheld until obstruction is diagnosed because analgesics can
decrease intestinal motility
1. An adult who has cholecystitis reports clay colored stools and moderate jaundice.
Which is the best explanation for the presence of clay colored stools and jaundice?
1. There is an obstruction in the pancreatic duct.
2. There are gallstones in the gallbladder.
3. Bile is no longer produced by the gallbladder.
4. There is an obstruction in the common bile duct. - (4) Clay colored stools means bile
is not getting through to the duodenum. The bile duct is obstructed so bile backs up into
the bloodstream causing jaundice
Atropine 0.5 mg is ordered for a client having an acute attack of cholecystitis. What is
the primary purpose of this drug for this client?
1. decrease skeletal muscle spasms.
2. increase gastrointestinal peristalsis
3. decrease smooth muscle contractions
4. decrease anxiety - (3) Atropine is an anticholinergic drug , which will decrease
contractions of the gallbladder.
An adult male is admitted to the hospital complaining of burning epigastric pain. He
reports to the nurse that he has gained 14 pounds over the last two months. Which
nursing response is best?
1. "Why were you eating more?"
2. "Has the weight gain been intentional?"