A nurse evaluates a patient with duodenal ulcer. Which report requires immediate follow-up?

• Pain relieved by eating

• Melena stools

• Awakening at night with pain

• Dyspepsia

A patient with IBS is prescribed anticholinergic agent, dicyclomine. Which nursing teaching is correct?

• This will decrease diarrhea by slowing intestinal motility.

• Take this medication with milk to prevent nausea.

• Expect increased sweating and tearing as a side effect.

• This medication may increase gastric acid production.

A patient with Crohn’s disease presents with severe abdominal pain and rigid abdomen, weight loss, and steatorrhea. Which complication is most concerning?

• Malabsorption

• Intestinal fistula

• Electrolyte imbalance

• Anemia

A nurse assesses a patient with suspected appendicitis. Which finding indicates perforation?

• Rebound tenderness in RLQ

• Pain shifting from periumbilical to RLQ

• Sudden relief of pain followed by rigidity

• Low-grade fever and nausea

A patient post-gastrectomy has frequent small meals. Which statement indicates teaching was effective?

• "I will eat small, frequent meals to prevent discomfort."

• "I will drink large amounts of fluid with my meals."

• "I can return to eating three large meals a day immediately."

• "I should avoid all carbohydrates after surgery."

A nurse cares for a patient with dumping syndrome. Which intervention is most effective?

• High-carb diet

• Eating small, frequent meals

• Drinking fluids with meals

• Lying flat before eating

A patient hospitalized with C. diff asks why soap and water are required for hand hygiene. The nurse responds:

• Soap and water removes spores more effectively than alcohol rubs.

• It helps prevent antibiotic resistance.

• It's for staff safety, not for you.

• Alcohol gels increase the risk of spreading it.

Which patient meal selection shows correct understanding of a gluten-free diet?

• Barley soup and rye bread

• Rice noodles with grilled chicken

• Whole wheat pasta with vegetables

• Oatmeal with honey

A patient with esophageal cancer reports progressive dysphagia. The priority nursing intervention is:

• Assess airway and ability to swallow

• Encourage oral intake of fluids

• Administer antiemetic medication

• Position patient flat in bed

Which statement is true for a patient after gastrectomy?

• I should drink fluids with my meals.

• I'll lie flat for 30 minutes after eating.

• I'll increase my intake of high-sugar desserts.

• I can expect lifelong B12 injections.