GI Diagnostics/Procedures
A nurse is preparing a client for a fecal occult blood test. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid which food 48–72 hours before the test?
A client with GERD reports worsening reflux during sleep. The nurse should recommend which lifestyle change?
What is elevate head of bed while sleeping?
A client with suspected colorectal cancer reports a change in bowel habits and unexplained weight loss. What additional finding supports the diagnosis?
What is occult or visible blood in stool?
A nurse preparing to insert an NG tube should tell the client the procedure may cause what sensation?
What is gagging?
A nurse assessing a new ostomy notes a moist, bright red stoma. How should this finding be interpreted?
What is normal and healthy appearance?
A client reports severe abdominal gas and cramping after colonoscopy prep. What instruction is MOST appropriate post-procedure?
What is increase fluids and ambulation to relieve gas?
A client reports a burning epigastric pain that occurs 1–2 hours after eating and improves with food. This finding is consistent with which disorder?
What is duodenal ulcer?
A client with ulcerative colitis is experiencing frequent bloody diarrhea. Which complication is the nurse MOST concerned about?
What is fluid and electrolyte imbalance?
A client with enteral tube feedings reports cramping and diarrhea shortly after feeding. This is most likely caused by what complication?
What is dumping syndrome?
A client with a mandibular fracture treated with wiring asks about nutrition. The nurse instructs the client to consume what type of diet?
What is liquid or pureed diet?
A client undergoing an EGD asks why sedation is necessary. The nurse explains sedation is used primarily to prevent what?
What is gagging and discomfort during scope?
A client with a history of chronic GERD is being monitored for cancer risk. Which condition indicates precancerous cellular changes?
What is Barret's Esophagus?
A client presents with right-lower-quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and rebound tenderness. These findings are commonly associated with what disorder?
What is appendicitis?
A client receiving TPN has blood glucose levels consistently above 200 mg/dL. The nurse anticipates a change in what intervention?
What is insulin administration or adjustment?
A client recently diagnosed with oral cancer asks about early signs. The nurse should teach that the most common early finding is what?
What is painless sore or ulcer?
A provider orders an abdominal ultrasound. Which nursing instruction is most important prior to testing?
What is NPO before exam?
A client with an esophageal stricture is scheduled for dilation. Which finding requires priority reporting before the procedure?
What is new onset of difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)?
During assessment, a nurse notes a rigid abdomen and severe pain in a client with diverticulitis. What is the priority action?
What is notify provider - suspected perforation?
A family asks why a gastrostomy tube is being placed instead of continuing NG tube feedings long term. The nurse explains the major benefit is reducing what risk?
What is regurgitation and aspiration risk?
A client with chronic constipation requests medication for relief. What non-pharmacologic intervention should the nurse teach first?
What is increase fiber and hydration?
A client undergoing virtual CT colonography expresses concern about radiation exposure. What is the nurse’s BEST response?
What is radiation exposure is low and monitored for safety?
A client recently diagnosed with gastritis asks what common irritant contributes to the condition. The nurse’s BEST answer focuses on avoiding what?
What is smoking and alcohol use?
A client reports intermittent cramping pain, weight loss, and stool without noticeable blood. These findings are most consistent with which bowel disorder?
What is Chron's disease?
A client with a PEG tube accidentally dislodges it. What is the nurse’s FIRST action?
What is notify provider and protect the tract opening (do not reinsert blindly)?
A nurse notes coughing, dyspnea, and low SpO₂ in a patient receiving tube feedings. What is the PRIORITY action?
What is stop feeding and assess for aspiration / notify provider?