Chap 47 (Brunner) Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders
The nurse caring for a client with diverticulitis is preparing to administer the client's medications. The nurse anticipates administration of which category of medication because of the client's diverticulitis? Antianxiety Antispasmodic Antiemetic Anti-inflammatory
Antispasmodic Explanation: The nurse anticipates administration of antispasmodic medication to decrease intestinal spasm associated with diverticulitis. The client may also be ordered an opioid analgesic to relieve the associated pain. There is no indication that the client needs antianxiety, antiemetic, or anti-inflammatory medications at this time. Reference: Hinkle, J.L., & Cheever, K.H., Brunner & Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing, 14th ed., Philadelphia, Wolters Kluwer, 2018.
A client informs the nurse that he has been having abdominal pain that is relieved when having a bowel movement. The client states that the physician told him he has irritable bowel syndrome. What does the nurse recognize as characteristic of this disorder? Weight loss due to malabsorption Blood and mucus in the stool Chronic constipation with sporadic bouts of diarrhea Client is awakened from sleep due to abdominal pain.
Chronic constipation with sporadic bouts of diarrhea Explanation: Most clients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) describe having chronic constipation with sporadic bouts of diarrhea. Some report the opposite pattern, although less commonly. Most clients experience various degrees of abdominal pain that defecation may relieve. Weight usually remains stable, indicating that when diarrhea occurs, malabsorption of nutrients does not accompany it. Stools may have mucus, but blood is not usually found because the bowel is not locally inflamed. The sleep is not disturbed from abdominal pain. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1318
The nurse is conducting a community education program on colorectal cancer. Which statement should the nurse include in the program? It is the third most common cancer in the United States. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is 1 in 10. The incidence of colorectal cancer decreases with age. Colorectal cancer has no hereditary component.
It is the third most common cancer in the United States. Explanation: Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer in the United States. The lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is 1 in 20. The incidence increases with age (the incidence is highest in people older than 85). Colorectal cancer occurrence is higher in people with a family history of colon cancer. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1343
The nurse is performing a rectal assessment and notices a longitudinal tear or ulceration in the lining of the anal canal. The nurse documents the finding as which condition? Anorectal abscess Anal fistula Hemorrhoid Anal fissure
Anal fissure Explanation: Fissures are usually caused by the trauma of passing a large, firm stool or from persistent tightening of the anal canal secondary to stress or anxiety (leading to constipation). An anorectal abscess is an infection in the pararectal spaces. An anal fistula is a tiny, tubular, fibrous tract that extends into the anal canal from an opening located beside the anus. A hemorrhoid is a dilated portion of vein in the anal canal. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1351
The nurse is performing and documenting the findings of an abdominal assessment. When the nurse hears intestinal rumbling and the client then experiences diarrhea, the nurse documents the presence of which condition? Borborygmus Tenesmus Azotorrhea Diverticulitis
Borborygmus Explanation: Borborygmus is the intestinal rumbling caused by the movement of gas through the intestines that accompanies diarrhea. Tenesmus refers to ineffectual straining at stool. Azotorrhea refers to excess of nitrogenous matter in the feces or urine. Diverticulitis refers to inflammation of a diverticulum from obstruction (by fecal matter) resulting in abscess formation. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1315
The nurse is teaching a client with an ostomy how to change the pouching system. Which information should the nurse include when teaching a client with no peristomal skin irritation? Dry skin thoroughly after washing Apply barrier powder Apply triamcinolone acetonide spray Dust with nystatin powder
Dry skin thoroughly after washing Explanation: The nurse should teach the client without peristomal skin irritation to dry the skin thoroughly after washing. Barrier powder, triamcinolone acetonide spray, and nystatin powder are used when the client has peristomal skin irritation and/or fungal infection. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1338
Diet modifications for patient diagnosed with chronic inflammatory bowel disease include which of the following? Low residue Low protein Calorie restriction Iron restriction
Low residue Explanation: Oral fluids and a low-residue, high-protein, high-calorie diet with supplemental vitamin therapy and iron replacement are prescribed to meet the nutritional needs, reduce inflammation, and control pain and diarrhea. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1332
Vomiting results in which of the following acid-base imbalances? Metabolic alkalosis Metabolic acidosis Respiratory acidosis Respiratory alkalosis
Metabolic alkalosis Explanation: Vomiting results in loss of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and potassium from the stomach, leading to a reduction of chlorides and potassium in the blood and to metabolic alkalosis. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1328
The nurse is monitoring a client's postoperative course after an appendectomy. The nurse's assessment reveals that the client has vomited, has abdominal tenderness and rigidity, and has tachycardia. The nurse reports to the physician that the client has signs/symptoms of which complication? Peritonitis Pelvic abscess Ileus Hemorrhage
Peritonitis Explanation: The nurse should report to the physician that the client has signs/symptoms of peritonitis. Signs/symptoms of a pelvic abscess include anorexia, chills, fever, diaphoresis, and diarrhea. Signs/symptoms of an ileus include absent bowel sounds, nausea, and abdominal distention. Signs/symptoms of hemorrhage include tachycardia, hypotension, anxiety, and bleeding. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1322-1323
A client is admitted with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. When assessing the abdomen, the nurse would expect to find rebound tenderness at which location? Right upper quadrant Right lower quadrant Left upper quadrant Left lower quadrant
Right lower quadrant Explanation: The pain of acute appendicitis localizes in the right lower quadrant (RLQ) at McBurney's point, an area midway between the umbilicus and the right iliac crest. Often, the pain is worse when manual pressure near the region is suddenly released, a condition called rebound tenderness. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1323
A client is admitted to the hospital for diagnostic testing to rule out colorectal cancer. Which intervention should the nurse include on the plan of care? Test all stools for occult blood. Administer topical ointment to the rectal area to decrease bleeding. Prepare the client for a gastrostomy tube placement. Administer morphine (Duramorph PF) routinely, as ordered.
Test all stools for occult blood. Explanation: Blood in the stools is one of the warning signs of colorectal cancer. The nurse should plan on checking all stools for both frank and occult blood. The blood in the stool is coming from the colon or rectum; administering an ointment wouldn't help decrease the bleeding. Preparing a client for a gastrostomy tube isn't appropriate when diagnosing colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer is usually painless; administering opioid pain medication isn't needed Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1313
A client realizes that regular use of laxatives has greatly improved bowel patterns. However, the nurse cautions this client against the prolonged use of laxatives for which reason? The client may develop inflammatory bowel disease. The client may develop arthritis or arthralgia. The client's natural bowel function may become sluggish. The client may lose his or her appetite.
The client's natural bowel function may become sluggish. Explanation: It is essential for the nurse to caution the client against the prolonged use of laxatives because it decreases muscle tone in the large intestine. Prolonged use of laxatives may cause the client's natural bowel function to become sluggish. Laxatives do not increase the risk of developing inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, or arthralgia, nor do they cause a loss in appetite. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1314
A client reports severe pain and bleeding while having a bowel movement. Upon inspection, the health care provider notes a linear tear in the anal canal tissue. The client is diagnosed with a: fissure. fistula. hemorrhoid. pilonidal cyst.
fissure. Explanation: An anal fissure (fissure in ano) is a linear tear in the anal canal tissue. An anal fistula (fistula in ano) is a tract that forms in the anal canal. Hemorrhoids are dilated veins outside or inside the anal sphincter. A pilonidal sinus is an infection in the hair follicles in the sacrococcygeal area above the anus. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1351
The nurse caring for an older adult client diagnosed with diarrhea is administering and monitoring the client's medications. Because one of the client's medications is digitalis (digoxin), the nurse monitors the client closely for: hyperkalemia. hypokalemia. hyponatremia. hypernatremia.
hypokalemia. Explanation: The older client taking digoxin must be aware of how quickly dehydration and hypokalemia can occur with diarrhea. The nurse teaches the client to recognize the symptoms of hypokalemia because low levels of potassium intensify the action of digitalis, leading to digitalis toxicity. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1315
A nurse is applying an ostomy appliance to the ileostomy of a client with ulcerative colitis. Which action is appropriate? Cutting the faceplate opening no more than 2 inches larger than the stoma Gently washing the area surrounding the stoma using a facecloth and mild soap Scrubbing fecal material from the skin surrounding the stoma Maintaining wrinkles in the faceplate so it doesn't irritate the skin
Gently washing the area surrounding the stoma using a facecloth and mild soap Explanation: For a client with an ostomy, maintaining skin integrity is a priority. The nurse should gently wash the area surrounding the stoma using a facecloth and mild soap. Scrubbing the area around the stoma can damage the skin and cause bleeding. The faceplate opening should be no more than 1/8-inch to 1/6-inch larger than the stoma. This size protects the skin from exposure to irritating fecal material. The nurse can create an adequate seal and prevent leakage of fecal material from under the faceplate by applying a thin layer of skin barrier and smoothing out wrinkles in the faceplate. Eliminating wrinkles in the faceplate also protects the skin surrounding the stoma from pressure. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1338
After teaching a group of students about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and antidiarrheal agents, the instructor determines that the teaching was effective when the students identify which of the following as an example of an antidiarrheal agent commonly administered for IBS? Loperamide Lubiprostone Dicyclomine Peppermint oil
Loperamide Explanation: Loperamide is an opiate-related antidiarrheal agent. Lubiprostone is used to treat constipation; it activates chloride channels in the gastrointestinal tract to increase gastrointestinal transit. Dicyclomine, a smooth muscle antispasmodic agent, is used to treat pain accompanying IBS. Peppermint oil may also be taken to ease discomfort. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1317
Celiac disease (celiac sprue) is an example of which category of malabsorption? Infectious diseases Mucosal disorders causing generalized malabsorption Luminal problems causing malabsorption Postoperative malabsorption
Mucosal disorders causing generalized malabsorption Explanation: Celiac disease (celiac sprue, gluten-sensitive enteropathy) results from a toxic response to the gliadin component of gluten by the surface epithelium of the intestine; eventually, the mucosal villi of the small intestine become denuded and cannot function. Crohn's disease (regional enteritis) and radiation enteritis are other examples of mucosal disorders. Examples of infectious diseases causing generalized malabsorption include small-bowel bacterial overgrowth, tropical sprue, and Whipple disease. Examples of luminal problems causing malabsorption include bile acid deficiency, Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, and pancreatic insufficiency. Postoperative gastric or intestinal resection and cancer can result in development of a lymphatic malabsorption syndrome, in which there is interference with the transport of the fat by-products of digestion into the systemic circulation. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1319
A client informs the nurse that he is taking a stimulant laxative in order to be able to have a bowel movement daily. What should the nurse inform the client about taking a stimulant laxative? They can be habit forming and will require increasing doses to be effective. As long as the client is drinking 8 glasses of water per day, he can continue to take them. The laxative is safe to take with other medication the client is taking. The client should take a fiber supplement along with the stimulant laxative.
They can be habit forming and will require increasing doses to be effective. Explanation: The nurse should discourage self-treatment with daily or frequent enemas or laxatives. Chronic use of such products causes natural bowel function to be sluggish. In addition, laxatives continuing stimulants can be habit forming, requiring continued use in increasing doses. Although the nurse should encourage the client to have adequate fluid intake, laxative use should not be encouraged. The laxative may interact with other medications the client is taking and may cause a decrease in absorption. A fiber supplement may be taken alone but should not be taken with a stimulant laxative. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1314
The nurse is assessing a client for constipation. Which review should the nurse conduct first to identify the cause of constipation? Alcohol consumption Activity levels Usual pattern of elimination Current medications
Usual pattern of elimination Explanation: Constipation has many possible causes and assessing the client's usual pattern of elimination is the first step in identifying the cause. The nurse should obtain a description of the bowel elimination pattern, asking about the frequency, overall appearance and consistency of stool, blood in the stool, pain, and effort necessary to pass stool. It is also essential for the nurse to review the client's current medications, diet, and activity levels. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1313
The nurse is assessing a client for constipation. Which factor should the nurse review first to identify the cause of constipation? Alcohol consumption Activity levels Usual pattern of elimination Current medications
Usual pattern of elimination Explanation: Constipation has many possible reasons and assessing the client's usual pattern of elimination is the first step in identifying the cause. The nurse should obtain a description of the bowel elimination pattern, asking about the frequency, overall appearance and consistency of stool, blood in the stool, pain, and effort necessary to pass stool. It is also essential for the nurse to review the client's current medications, diet, and activity levels. Chapter 47: Management of Patients With Intestinal and Rectal Disorders - Page 1313
