Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) Practice Exam

For a patient presenting with signs of gastrointestinal distress and a history of surgery, which condition is most critical to consider?

1. Peptic ulcer disease

2. Gastroenteritis

3. IBS

4. Intestinal obstruction

The correct answer is: Gastroenteritis

In the context of a patient with gastrointestinal distress and a surgical history, it is essential to prioritize intestinal obstruction as a potential condition. Patients who have undergone surgery are at an increased risk of developing adhesions, which can lead to blockages in the intestines. Intestinal obstruction can present with acute symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and distension, which may mimic or be mistaken for other gastrointestinal conditions, such as gastroenteritis or inflammatory bowel disease. However, the rapid progression of symptoms and the potential for severe complications, such as bowel ischemia or perforation, make it critical to recognize and address intestinal obstruction promptly. While gastroenteritis and other conditions like peptic ulcer disease and irritable bowel syndrome can also cause gastrointestinal distress, they typically do not present the same level of immediate life-threatening risk associated with an obstruction in someone with recent surgical history. Therefore, the high stakes involved in managing intestinal obstructions emphasize the importance of considering this condition first in such clinical scenarios.