Free Gastrointestinal and Liver Nursing MCQs with Answers

50 Gastrointestinal and Liver Nursing MCQs from Medical Surgical Nursing, each with the correct answer and a written explanation of why it is correct. Free and unlimited, with no account needed.

Covers nursing care for peptic ulcer disease, gastroenteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal obstruction, hepatitis, cirrhosis and portal hypertension. It includes nutrition, fluid and electrolyte management, abdominal assessment, gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, which must be distinguished from other causes of altered consciousness.

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50 questions · page 2 of 3

  • A. Stop ibuprofen and discuss safer analgesia with the prescriber
  • B. Take ibuprofen with milk to prevent all gastric irritation
  • C. Use ibuprofen only at bedtime to reduce ulcer symptoms
  • D. Crush ibuprofen and take it after an antacid dose

Explanation: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs reduce protective prostaglandins and can worsen ulceration or bleeding.

Correct answer: Stop ibuprofen and discuss safer analgesia with the prescriber
  • A. Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
  • B. Auscultation, inspection, palpation, percussion
  • C. Palpation, percussion, inspection, auscultation
  • D. Percussion, palpation, auscultation, inspection

Explanation: The abdomen is inspected first, then auscultated before percussion and palpation.

Correct answer: Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
Fairly easy
  • A. Urine output increases and the pulse becomes stronger
  • B. The patient reports thirst but has moist skin
  • C. The respiratory rate decreases with persistent dizziness
  • D. The abdomen becomes distended after each fluid bolus

Explanation: Improving urine output and pulse strength suggest better renal perfusion and circulating volume.

Correct answer: Urine output increases and the pulse becomes stronger
  • A. A sudden reduction in previously loud bowel sounds
  • B. Mild nausea after the last prescribed antiemetic
  • C. Intermittent colicky pain before passing flatus
  • D. A dry mouth after several hours without oral fluids

Explanation: A sudden reduction in bowel sounds with worsening distension may indicate progression to ileus, ischemia, or perforation.

Correct answer: A sudden reduction in previously loud bowel sounds
Fairly easy
  • A. Apply prolonged gentle pressure after removing the needle
  • B. Massage the puncture site to improve circulation
  • C. Use a firm tourniquet for twenty minutes afterward
  • D. Encourage vigorous arm exercises after the procedure

Explanation: Reduced clotting factor production in cirrhosis increases bleeding risk, so gentle prolonged pressure helps achieve haemostasis.

Correct answer: Apply prolonged gentle pressure after removing the needle
Fairly easy
  • A. Avoid straining during bowel movements and report black stools
  • B. Use a hard toothbrush to strengthen the gums
  • C. Take aspirin for minor abdominal discomfort
  • D. Perform forceful coughing exercises every morning

Explanation: Straining can increase intra-abdominal pressure and contribute to variceal bleeding, while black stools may indicate upper…

Correct answer: Avoid straining during bowel movements and report black stools
  • A. Blood pressure falls and the patient becomes dizzy
  • B. The patient reports less abdominal pressure
  • C. The abdomen is softer than before the procedure
  • D. Respirations become easier while sitting upright

Explanation: Hypotension and dizziness after removal of ascitic fluid may indicate intravascular volume reduction or circulatory dysfunction.

Correct answer: Blood pressure falls and the patient becomes dizzy
Fairly easy
  • A. Place the patient in a safe environment with close observation
  • B. Keep the room dark and limit all communication
  • C. Encourage independent walking to maintain muscle strength
  • D. Offer sedative medication whenever the patient becomes restless

Explanation: Safety is the immediate priority because confusion and poor coordination increase the risk of falls and injury.

Correct answer: Place the patient in a safe environment with close observation
  • A. Do not share razors, toothbrushes or equipment that may contain blood
  • B. Avoid sharing cooked food because the virus spreads through meals
  • C. Wear a mask during all household contact to prevent droplet spread
  • D. Use separate towels because hepatitis C commonly spreads through sweat

Explanation: Hepatitis C is mainly transmitted through infected blood, so personal items that may cause small skin or gum injuries should not be…

Correct answer: Do not share razors, toothbrushes or equipment that may contain blood
Moderate
  • A. Small meals of refined rice, bananas and lean chicken
  • B. Large meals of fried food, raw cabbage and beans
  • C. High-fat meals with cream to increase calorie intake
  • D. Spicy food with whole-grain bread to stimulate appetite

Explanation: Small, lower-residue meals such as refined rice, bananas, and lean chicken may reduce bowel stimulation while providing energy and…

Correct answer: Small meals of refined rice, bananas and lean chicken
Moderate
  • A. Gastric outlet obstruction
  • B. Perforation with peritonitis
  • C. Acute pancreatitis
  • D. Uncomplicated gastritis

Explanation: Sudden severe pain with a rigid, silent abdomen suggests perforation and peritonitis.

Correct answer: Perforation with peritonitis
  • A. Take it with a high-fat meal
  • B. Take it on an empty stomach
  • C. Take it only when pain begins
  • D. Take it together with antacids

Explanation: Sucralfate forms a protective coating over the ulcer and works best on an empty stomach.

Correct answer: Take it on an empty stomach
Moderate
  • A. Metabolic alkalosis
  • B. Respiratory alkalosis
  • C. Metabolic acidosis
  • D. Respiratory acidosis

Explanation: Vomiting removes hydrochloric acid and may produce metabolic alkalosis, especially when fluid and chloride losses are prolonged.

Correct answer: Metabolic alkalosis
  • A. Skip lesions throughout the bowel
  • B. Continuous inflammation beginning in the rectum
  • C. Transmural fistula formation
  • D. Cobblestone mucosa in the ileum

Explanation: Ulcerative colitis causes continuous mucosal inflammation that usually begins in the rectum and extends proximally.

Correct answer: Continuous inflammation beginning in the rectum
  • A. The obstruction is resolving
  • B. The bowel may have perforated
  • C. The patient is becoming comfortable
  • D. The nasogastric tube is working

Explanation: A sudden reduction in colicky pain with worsening distension and tachycardia can indicate bowel ischemia or perforation.

Correct answer: The bowel may have perforated
  • A. Three large meals high in fat
  • B. Small frequent meals with adequate calories
  • C. A fasting period until jaundice clears
  • D. A high-salt diet to prevent weakness

Explanation: Small frequent meals are easier to tolerate and help maintain energy when nausea and anorexia are present.

Correct answer: Small frequent meals with adequate calories
Fairly easy
  • A. Mild pruritus after bathing
  • B. Increasing abdominal collateral veins
  • C. Occasional heartburn after meals
  • D. A small bruise at an injection site

Explanation: Prominent abdominal collateral veins, sometimes called caput medusae, develop when portal blood is diverted through systemic veins.

Correct answer: Increasing abdominal collateral veins
Easy
  • A. Serum potassium
  • B. Serum calcium
  • C. Haemoglobin level
  • D. Blood amylase

Explanation: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, so hyperkalaemia is an important adverse effect to detect.

Correct answer: Serum potassium
Moderate
  • A. Lactulose
  • B. Rifaximin
  • C. Diazepam
  • D. Spironolactone

Explanation: Diazepam is a benzodiazepine that can cause sedation and further depress consciousness in hepatic encephalopathy.

Correct answer: Diazepam
  • A. Use a hard-bristled toothbrush
  • B. Use gentle oral care with a soft toothbrush
  • C. Floss forcefully between all teeth
  • D. Apply alcohol-based mouthwash frequently

Explanation: A soft toothbrush and gentle technique reduce trauma and bleeding in a patient with impaired clotting.

Correct answer: Use gentle oral care with a soft toothbrush