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DHA Gastrointestinal & Hepatic Nursing Practice Questions
What this topic covers
GI bleeding, bowel obstruction, liver disease, pancreatitis, enteral feeding, stomas and post-operative GI care.
Free DHA gastrointestinal & hepatic nursing questions
- Do not stop the medication suddenly
- Take the medication on an empty stomach
- Increase intake of foods high in sodium
- Stop the medication once diarrhoea settles
Show answer and rationale
Answer: A. Do not stop the medication suddenly
Stopping long-term corticosteroids abruptly can cause adrenal insufficiency, so they must be tapered as prescribed. They should be taken with food to reduce gastric irritation.
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – corticosteroids
- Formed, solid stool once a day
- Dry, hard stool every 2–3 days
- No output for the first two weeks
- Liquid to semi-liquid output that is continuous
Show answer and rationale
Answer: D. Liquid to semi-liquid output that is continuous
Ileostomy output is liquid to semi-liquid and frequent because it bypasses the colon, where water is absorbed. Patients are at risk of dehydration and electrolyte loss and need to maintain fluid intake.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – ileostomy
- A laxative to prevent constipation
- An antidiarrhoeal
- A potassium supplement
- An antibiotic
Show answer and rationale
Answer: A. A laxative to prevent constipation
Opioids reduce gut motility and commonly cause constipation, which does not diminish with continued use; a regular laxative should be prescribed prophylactically.
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – opioids
- Serum potassium
- Serum amylase
- Haemoglobin A1c
- Serum troponin
Show answer and rationale
Answer: A. Serum potassium
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic and can cause hyperkalaemia. Sodium, renal function, weight and fluid balance are also monitored.
Reference: Standard nursing pharmacology – spironolactone
- Serum amylase only
- Troponin
- Thyroid function
- Blood glucose
Show answer and rationale
Answer: D. Blood glucose
Parenteral nutrition contains concentrated dextrose, so hyperglycaemia is a common complication and blood glucose is monitored frequently. Electrolytes, renal and liver function are also checked.
Reference: Lewis Medical-Surgical Nursing – parenteral nutrition
Questions are written with AI assistance. About 10% (150+) have been reviewed by a licensed nurse so far, and more are reviewed every month. Practice questions are for study only and may contain mistakes; verify with official study guides from your destination country. Report a question
Study tip
Signs of bleeding or perforation (rigid abdomen, falling BP, rising pulse) always outrank comfort measures.
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