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MED SURG GASTROINTESTINAL NCLEX QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026/2027
1. The nurse is monitoring a client admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of appendicitis who is
scheduled for surgery in 2 hours. The client begins to complain of increased abdominal pain and
begins to vomit. On assessment, the nurse notes that the abdomen is distended and bowel sounds
are dimin- ished. Which is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
A. Notify the health care provider (HCP).
B. Administer the prescribed pain medication.
C. Call and ask the operating room team to perform surgery as soon as possible.
D. Reposition the client and apply a heating pad on the warm setting to the client's abdomen.: A.
Notify the health care provider (HCP).
Rationale:
On the basis of the signs and symptoms presented in the question, the nurse should suspect
peritonitis and notify the HCP. Administering pain medication is not an appropriate
intervention. Heat should never be applied to the abdomen of a client with suspected
appendicitis because of the risk of rupture. Scheduling surgical time is not within the scope of
nursing practice, although the HCP probably would perform the surgery earlier than the
prescheduled time.
2. A client has just had a hemorrhoidectomy. Which nursing interventions are appropriate for this
client? Select all that apply.
A. Administer stool softeners as prescribed.
B. Instruct the client to limit fluid intake to avoid urinary retention.
C. Encourage a high-fiber diet to promote bowel movements without straining.
D. Apply cold packs to the anal-rectal area over the dressing until the packing is removed.
E. Help the client to a Fowler's position to place pressure on the rectal area and decrease
bleeding.: A. Administer stool softeners as prescribed.
C. Encourage a high-fiber diet to promote bowel movements without straining.
D. Apply cold packs to the anal-rectal area over the dressing until the packing is removed.
Rationale:
Nursing interventions after a hemorrhoidectomy are aimed at management of pain and
avoidance of bleeding and incision rupture. Stool softeners and a high-fiber diet will help the
client to avoid straining, thereby reducing the chances of rupturing the
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