Gastrointestinal Bleeding Practice Questions
19 free Gastrointestinal Bleeding practice questions for the NCLEX Exam. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.
Which symptom is most indicative of upper gastrointestinal bleeding?
- A Melena (black tarry stools)
- B Bright red blood mixed in the stool
- C Diarrhea
- D Constipation
Correct answer: Melena (black tarry stools)
Melena results from digested blood passing through the GI tract, indicating bleeding in the upper GI system such as the stomach or duodenum.
Which condition is a common cause of upper GI bleeding?
- A Peptic ulcer disease
- B Hemorrhoids
- C Diverticulosis of the colon
- D Colitis
Correct answer: Peptic ulcer disease
Peptic ulcer disease can erode blood vessels in the stomach or duodenum, leading to upper GI bleeding.
What does hematemesis indicate?
- A Vomiting blood
- B Blood in urine
- C Blood in stool
- D Coughing blood
Correct answer: Vomiting blood
Hematemesis refers to vomiting blood, which typically indicates upper GI bleeding.
Which sign suggests severe blood loss in GI bleeding?
- A Tachycardia and hypotension
- B Hypertension
- C Bradycardia
- D Normal vital signs and stable pulse
Correct answer: Tachycardia and hypotension
Tachycardia and hypotension are signs of hypovolemia due to blood loss. Immediate intervention is required.
Which diagnostic test is commonly used to identify the source of upper GI bleeding?
- A Endoscopy
- B Colonoscopy
- C X-ray
- D MRI
Correct answer: Endoscopy
Endoscopy allows direct visualization of the upper GI tract and can identify and treat bleeding sources.
Which medication class increases the risk of GI bleeding?
- A Antihistamines
- B NSAIDs
- C Antibiotics
- D PPIs
Correct answer: NSAIDs
NSAIDs can damage the gastric mucosa and increase the risk of ulcers and bleeding.
What is the priority nursing action for a patient with active GI bleeding?
- A Encourage oral fluid and food intake
- B Stabilize airway and monitor vitals
- C Provide a high-fiber, low-fat diet
- D Encourage frequent early ambulation
Correct answer: Stabilize airway and monitor vitals
Maintaining airway and monitoring vital signs is critical in active bleeding. Stabilization is the top priority.
Which laboratory value is most important to monitor in GI bleeding?
- A White blood cell count
- B Hemoglobin and hematocrit
- C Platelet count and function
- D Serum sodium and potassium
Correct answer: Hemoglobin and hematocrit
Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels reflect blood loss. They help assess severity and guide treatment.
Which intervention is appropriate for hypovolemia due to GI bleeding?
- A Restrict oral fluids
- B Administer IV fluids
- C Encourage light exercise
- D Delay treatment plan
Correct answer: Administer IV fluids
IV fluids help restore circulating volume. This is essential in managing hypovolemia from blood loss.
Which condition can cause lower GI bleeding?
- A Gastritis
- B Esophageal varices
- C Diverticulosis
- D Peptic ulcer
Correct answer: Diverticulosis
Diverticulosis can cause bleeding in the colon. It is a common cause of lower GI bleeding.
Which sign indicates improvement in a patient with GI bleeding?
- A Decreasing blood pressure
- B Stable hemoglobin levels
- C Increased heart rate
- D Continued melena
Correct answer: Stable hemoglobin levels
Stable hemoglobin levels indicate that bleeding is controlled. This suggests improvement in the patient’s condition.
Which is a complication of untreated GI bleeding?
- A Severe hypertension
- B Hypovolemic shock
- C Hyperglycemia
- D Wound infection
Correct answer: Hypovolemic shock
Severe blood loss can lead to hypovolemic shock. This is a life-threatening emergency.
Which medication may be used to reduce gastric acid in GI bleeding?
- A Oral antibiotics
- B Antihypertensive drugs
- C Anticoagulant medications
- D Proton pump inhibitors
Correct answer: Proton pump inhibitors
Proton pump inhibitors reduce gastric acid secretion. This promotes healing and reduces further bleeding.
Which assessment finding suggests esophageal varices?
- A Hematuria
- B Diarrhea
- C Constipation
- D Hematemesis
Correct answer: Hematemesis
Esophageal varices can rupture and cause massive hematemesis. This is common in patients with liver disease.
Which intervention is appropriate for a patient with suspected GI bleeding?
- A Give oral medications
- B Encourage fluids
- C Promote ambulation
- D Keep patient NPO
Correct answer: Keep patient NPO
Keeping the patient NPO prepares them for possible procedures like endoscopy. It also reduces risk of aspiration.
Which sign indicates lower GI bleeding severity?
- A Melena
- B Hematemesis
- C Coffee-ground emesis
- D Hematochezia
Correct answer: Hematochezia
Hematochezia indicates active bleeding in the lower GI tract. It may require urgent evaluation.
Which is a risk factor for GI bleeding?
- A Healthy diet
- B Regular exercise
- C Adequate hydration
- D Chronic NSAID use
Correct answer: Chronic NSAID use
Chronic NSAID use can damage the stomach lining. This increases the risk of ulcers and bleeding.
Which nursing action is appropriate when a patient has coffee-ground emesis?
- A Ignore the finding
- B Encourage eating
- C Provide laxatives
- D Report immediately
Correct answer: Report immediately
Coffee-ground emesis indicates partially digested blood. It should be reported immediately as a sign of upper GI bleeding.
Which goal is most important in managing GI bleeding?
- A Increase the client's appetite
- B Promote healthy weight gain and nutrition
- C Control bleeding and stabilize vitals
- D Reduce the client's stress and anxiety levels
Correct answer: Control bleeding and stabilize vitals
The primary goal is to control bleeding and maintain stable vital signs. This prevents complications such as shock.