NUR 211 Bowel Elimination
A nurse teaches a client who has viral gastroenteritis. Which dietary instruction should the nurse include in this clients teaching? a. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. b. You should only drink 1 liter of fluids daily. c. Increase your protein intake by drinking more milk. d. Sips of cola or tea may help to relieve your nausea.
A
Cecum
A dilated pouch like structure that is inferior to the ileocecal
A nurse cares for a client who is prescribed 5 mg/kg of infliximab (Remicade) intravenously. The client weighs 110 lbs and the pharmacy supplies infliximab 100 mg/10 mL solution. How many milliliters should the nurse administer to this client? (Record your answer using a whole number.) ____ mL
25 mL
When conducting a health history assessment, the nurse would want to know what important information about the patients elimination status? (Select all that apply.) a. Recent changes in elimination patterns b. Changes in color, consistency, or odor of stool or urine c. Time of day patient defecates d. Discomfort or pain with elimination e. List of medications taken by patient f. Patients preferences for toileting
A,B,D,E
A nurse assesses a client with peritonitis. Which clinical manifestations should the nurse expect to find? (Select all that apply.) a. Distended abdomen b. Inability to pass flatus c. Bradycardia d. Hyperactive bowel sounds e. Decreased urine output
A,B,E
A nurse cares for a client who is recovering from a hemorrhoidectomy. The client states, I need to have a bowel movement. Which action should the nurse take? a. Obtain a bedside commode for the client to use. b. Stay with the client while providing privacy. c. Make sure the call light is in reach to signal completion. 'd. Gather supplies to collect a stool sample for the laboratory.
B
A nurse cares for a client with a new ileostomy. The client states, I dont think my friends will accept me with this ostomy. How should the nurse respond? a. Your friends will be happy that you are alive. b. Tell me more about your concerns. c. A therapist can help you resolve your concerns. d. With time you will accept your new body.
B
A nurse assesses a client who is hospitalized for botulism. The clients vital signs are temperature: 99.8 F (37.6 C), heart rate: 100 beats/min, respiratory rate: 10 breaths/min, and blood pressure: 100/62 mm Hg. Which action should the nurse take? a. Decrease stimulation and allow the client to rest. b. Stay with the client while another nurse calls the provider. c. Increase the clients intravenous fluid replacement rate. d. Check the clients blood glucose and administer orange juice.
B
The nurse is caring for a patient who is confined to the bed. The nurse asks the patient if he needs to have a bowel movement 30 minutes after eating a meal because a. The digested food needs to make room for recently ingested food. b. Mastication triggers the digestive system to begin peristalsis. c. The smell of bowel elimination in the room would deter the patient from eating. d. More ancillary staff members are available after meal times.
B
The nurse is emptying an ileostomy pouch for a patient. Which assessment finding would the nurse report immediately? a. Liquid consistency of stool b. Presence of blood in the stool c. Noxious odor from the stool d. Continuous output from the stoma
B
After teaching a client who has diverticulitis, a nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for additional teaching? a. Ill ride my bike or take a long walk at least three times a week. b. I must try to include at least 25 grams of fiber in my diet every day. c. I will take a laxative nightly at bedtime to avoid becoming constipated. d. I should use my legs rather than my back muscles when I lift heavy objects.
C
Continence
Capable of controlling defecation and urination
A guaiac test has been ordered. The nurse knows that this is a test for a. Bright red blood. b. Dark black blood. c. Blood that contains mucus. d. Blood that cannot be seen.
D
A nurse assesses a client with a mechanical bowel obstruction who reports intermittent abdominal pain. An hour later the client reports constant abdominal pain. Which action should the nurse take next? a. Administer intravenous opioid medications. b. Position the client with knees to chest. c. Insert a nasogastric tube for decompression. d. Assess the clients bowel sounds.
D
A nurse cares for a client who has food poisoning resulting from a Clostridium botulinum infection. Which assessment should the nurse complete first? a. Heart rate and rhythm b. Bowel sounds c. Urinary output d. Respiratory rate
D
A patient has constipation and hypernatremia. The nurse prepares to administer which type of enema? a. Oil retention b. Carminative c. Saline d. Tap water
D
After teaching a client with diverticular disease, a nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which menu selection made by the client indicates the client correctly understood the teaching? a. Roasted chicken with rice pilaf and a cup of coffee with cream b. Spaghetti with meat sauce, a fresh fruit cup, and hot tea c. Garden salad with a cup of bean soup and a glass of low-fat milk d. Baked fish with steamed carrots and a glass of apple juice
D
An emergency room nurse cares for a client who has been shot in the abdomen and is hemorrhaging heavily. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Send a blood sample for a type and crossmatch. b. Insert a large intravenous line for fluid resuscitation. c. Obtain the heart rate and blood pressure. d. Assess and maintain a patent airway.
D
Fecal impactions occur in which portion of the colon? a. Ascending b. Descending c. Transverse d. Rectum
D
The nurse is caring for a patient who had a colostomy placed yesterday. The nurse should report which assessment finding immediately? a. Stoma is protruding from the abdomen. b. Stoma is moist. c. Stool is discharging from the stoma. d. Stoma is purple.
D
The nurse is caring for a patient with Clostridium difficile. Which of the following nursing actions will have the greatest impact in preventing the spread of bacteria? a. Monthly in-services about contact precautions b. Placing all contaminated items in biohazard bags c. Mandatory cultures on all patients d. Proper hand hygiene techniques
D
Defication
Evacuation of bowel
incontinence
Involuntary passage of stool ranging from occasional leakage to a complete loss of bowel control
Peristalsis
The action of propelling food through the stomach and intestines
diarrhea
excessive peristalsis with increased movement in large intestine resulting in loose stool
Colon
large intestine that consists of four divisions, including ascending, transverse, descending, and sigmoid
Constipation
reduced peristalsis with decreased movement through that stomach and intestines
A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a patient who is going home with a guaiac test. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for further education? a. If I get a positive result, I have gastrointestinal bleeding. b. I should not eat red meat before my examination. c. I should schedule to perform the examination when I am not menstruating. d. I will need to perform this test three times if I have a positive result.
A
A nurse reviews the chart of a client who has Crohns disease and a draining fistula. Which documentation should alert the nurse to urgently contact the provider for additional prescriptions? a. Serum potassium of 2.6 mEq/L b. Client ate 20% of breakfast meal c. White blood cell count of 8200/mm3 d. Clients weight decreased by 3 pounds
A
A nurse is educating a patient on how to irrigate an ostomy bag. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for further instruction? a. I can use a fleet enema to save money because it contains the same irrigation solution. b. Sitting on the toilet lets the irrigation sleeve eliminate into the bowl. c. I should never attempt to reach into my stoma to remove fecal material. d. Using warm tap water will reduce cramping and discomfort during the procedure.
A
A patient is diagnosed with a bowel obstruction. The nurse chooses which type of tube for gastric decompression? a. Salem sump b. Dobhoff c. Sengstaken-Blakemore d. Small bore
A
The nurse is assessing a patient 2 hours after a colonoscopy. Based on the procedure done, what focused assessment will the nurse include? a. Bowel sounds b. Presence of flatulence c. Bowel movements d. Nausea
A
The nurse should place the patient in which position when preparing to administer an enema? a. Left Sims position b. Fowlers c. Supine d. Semi-Fowlers
A
Which of the following is not a function of the large intestine? a. Absorbing nutrients b. Absorbing water c. Secreting bicarbonate d. Eliminating waste
A
A nurse plans care for a client who is recovering from an inguinal hernia repair. Which interventions should the nurse include in this clients plan of care? (Select all that apply.) a. Encouraging ambulation three times a day b. Encouraging normal urination c. Encouraging deep breathing and coughing d. Providing ice bags and scrotal support e. Forcibly reducing the hernia
A,B,D
A nurse cares for a client who has been diagnosed with a small bowel obstruction. Which assessment findings should the nurse correlate with this diagnosis? (Select all that apply.) a. Serum potassium of 2.8 mEq/L b. Loss of 15 pounds without dieting c. Abdominal pain in upper quadrants d. Low-pitched bowel sounds e. Serum sodium of 121 mEq/L
A,C,E
A nurse is pouching an ostomy on a patient with an ileostomy. Which action by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Changing the skin barrier portion of the ostomy pouch daily b. Selecting a pouch that is able to hold excess output to reduce the frequency of pouch emptying c. Thoroughly scrubbing the skin around the stoma to remove excess stool and adhesive d. Measuring the correct size for the barrier device while leaving a 1/8-inch space around the stoma
B
A nurse plans care for a client with Crohns disease who has a heavily draining fistula. Which intervention should the nurse indicate as the priority action in this clients plan of care? a. Low-fiber diet b. Skin protection c. Antibiotic administration d. Intravenous glucocorticoids
B
After teaching a client who was hospitalized for Salmonella food poisoning, a nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for additional teaching? a. I will let my husband do all of the cooking for my family. b. Ill take the ciprofloxacin until the diarrhea has resolved. c. I should wash my hands with antibacterial soap before each meal. d. I must place my dishes into the dishwasher after each meal.
B
After teaching a client with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which menu selection indicates that the client correctly understands the dietary teaching? a. Ham sandwich on white bread, cup of applesauce, glass of diet cola b. Broiled chicken with brown rice, steamed broccoli, glass of apple juice c. Grilled cheese sandwich, small banana, cup of hot tea with lemon d. Baked tilapia, fresh green beans, cup of coffee with low-fat milk
B
After teaching a client with perineal excoriation caused by diarrhea from acute gastroenteritis, a nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement by the client indicates a need for additional teaching? a. Ill rinse my rectal area with warm water after each stool and apply zinc oxide ointment. b. I will clean my rectal area thoroughly with toilet paper after each stool and then apply aloe vera gel. c. I must take a sitz bath three times a day and then pat my rectal area gently but thoroughly to make sure I am dry. d. I shall clean my rectal area with a soft cotton washcloth and then apply vitamin A and D ointment.
B
A nurse cares for a client with colon cancer who has a new colostomy. The client states, I think it would be helpful to talk with someone who has had a similar experience. How should the nurse respond? a. I have a good friend with a colostomy who would be willing to talk with you. b. The enterostomal therapist will be able to answer all of your questions. c. I will make a referral to the United Ostomy Associations of America. d. You'll find that most people with colostomies don't want to talk about them.
C
A patient had an ileostomy surgically placed 2 days ago. Which diet would the nurse recommend to the patient to ease the transition of the new ostomy? a. Eggs over easy, whole wheat toast, and orange juice with pulp b. Chicken fried rice with stir fried vegetables and iced tea c. Turkey meatloaf with white rice and apple juice d. Fish sticks with macaroni and cheese and soda
C
The nurse provides knows that a bowel elimination schedule would be most beneficial in the plan of care for which patient? a. A 40-year-old patient with an ileostomy b. A 25-year-old patient with Crohn's disease c. A 30-year-old patient with C. difficile d. A 70-year-old patient with stool incontinence
D
A nurse cares for a client who has a new colostomy. Which action should the nurse take? a. Empty the pouch frequently to remove excess gas collection. b. Change the ostomy pouch and wafer every morning. c. Allow the pouch to completely fill with stool prior to emptying it. d. Use surgical tape to secure the pouch and prevent leakage.
A
The nurse is listening for bowel sounds in a postoperative patient. The bowel sounds are slow, as they are heard only every 3 to 4 minutes. The patient asks the nurse why this is happening. The best response from the nurse would be which of the following? A. Anesthesia during surgery and pain medication after surgery may slow peristalsis in the bowel. b. Some people have a slower bowel than others, and this is nothing to be concerned about. c. The foods you eat contribute to peristalsis, so you should eat more fiber in your diet. d. Bowel peristalsis is slow because you are not walking. Get more exercise during the day.
A
The nurse knows that the ideal time to change an ostomy pouch is a. Before eating a meal, when the patient is comfortable. b. When the patient feels that he needs to have a bowel movement. c. When ordered in the patients chart. d. After the patient has ambulated the length of the hallway.
A
A nurse prepares to administer 12 mg/kg of 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy intravenously to a client who has colon cancer. The client weights 132 lb. How many milligrams should the nurse administer? (Record your answer using a whole number.) _____ mg
720 mg
A nurse assesses a client who has appendicitis. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find? a. Severe, steady right lower quadrant pain b. Abdominal pain associated with nausea and vomiting c. Marked peristalsis and hyperactive bowel sounds d. Abdominal pain that increases with knee flexion
A
A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from an ileostomy placement. Which clinical manifestation should alert the nurse to urgently contact the health care provider? a. Pale and bluish stoma b. Liquid stool c. Ostomy pouch intact d. Blood-smeared output
A
A nurse assesses a client with Crohns disease and colonic strictures. Which clinical manifestation should alert the nurse to urgently contact the health care provider? a. Distended abdomen b. Temperature of 100.0 F (37.8 C) c. Loose and bloody stool d. Lower abdominal cramps
A
A nurse cares for a client who had a colostomy placed in the ascending colon 2 weeks ago. The client states, The stool in my pouch is still liquid. How should the nurse respond? a. The stool will always be liquid with this type of colostomy. b. Eating additional fiber will bulk up your stool and decrease diarrhea. c. Your stool will become firmer over the next couple of weeks. d. This is abnormal. I will contact your health care provider.
A
A nurse cares for a client who has a Giardia infection. Which medication should the nurse anticipate being prescribed for this client? a. Metronidazole (Flagyl) b. Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) c. Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) d. Ceftriaxone (Rocephin)
A
A nurse cares for a client who states, My husband is repulsed by my colostomy and refuses to be intimate with me. How should the nurse respond? a. Let's talk to the ostomy nurse to help you and your husband work through this. b. You could try to wear longer lingerie that will better hide the ostomy appliance. c. You should empty the pouch first so it will be less noticeable for your husband. d. If you are not careful, you can hurt the stoma if you engage in sexual activity.
A
A nurse cares for a client with ulcerative colitis. The client states, I feel like I am tied to the toilet. This disease is controlling my life. How should the nurse respond? a. Let's discuss potential factors that increase your symptoms. b. If you take the prescribed medications, you will no longer have diarrhea. c. To decrease distress, do not eat anything before you go out. d. You must retake control of your life. I will consult a therapist to help.
A
A nurse is assisting a patient in making dietary choices that promote healthy bowel elimination. Which menu option should the nurse recommend? a. Grape and walnut chicken salad sandwich on whole wheat bread b. Broccoli and cheese soup with potato bread c. Dinner salad topped with hard-boiled eggs, cheese, and fat-free dressing d. Turkey and mashed potatoes with brown gravy
A
A nurse is performing an assessment on a patient who has not had a bowel movement in 3 days. The nurse would expect which other assessment finding? a. Hypoactive bowel sounds b. Jaundice in sclera c. Decreased skin turgor d. Soft tender abdomen
A
After a patient returns from a barium swallow, the nurses priority is to a. Encourage the patient to increase fluids to flush out the barium. b. Monitor stools closely for bright red blood or mucus, which indicates trauma from the procedure. c. Inform the patient that his bowel movements are radioactive, and that he should be sure to flush the toilet three times. d. Thicken all patient drinks to prevent aspiration.
A
Which nursing action best reduces risk of excoriation to the mucosal lining of the nose from a nasogastric tube? a. Lubricating the nares with water-soluble lubricant b. Applying a small ice bag to the nose for 5 minutes every 4 hours c. Instilling Xylocaine into the nares once a shift d. Changing the tape holding the tube in place once a shift
A
While a cleansing enema is administered to an 80-year-old patient, the patient expresses the urge to defecate. What is the next priority nursing action? a. Positioning the patient in the dorsal recumbent position with a bed pan b. Assisting the patient to the bedside commode c. Stopping the enema cleansing and rolling the patient into right-lying Sims position d. Inserting a rectal plug to contain the enema solution
A
During an assessment, the patient states that his bowel movements cause discomfort because the stool is hard and difficult to pass. As the nurse, you make which of the following suggestions to assist the patient with improving the quality of his bowel movement? (Select all that apply.) a. Increase fiber intake. b. Increase water consumption. c. Decrease physical exercise. d. Refrain from alcohol. e. Refrain from smoking.
A,B
A nurse assesses a client with ulcerative colitis. Which complications are paired correctly with their physiologic processes? (Select all that apply.) a. Lower gastrointestinal bleeding Erosion of the bowel wall b. Abscess formation Localized pockets of infection develop in the ulcerated bowel lining c. Toxic megacolon Transmural inflammation resulting in pyuria and fecaluria d. Nonmechanical bowel obstruction Paralysis of colon resulting from colorectal cancer e. Fistula Dilation and colonic ileus caused by paralysis of the colon
A,B,D
A nurse plans care for a client who has chronic diarrhea. Which actions should the nurse include in this clients plan of care? (Select all that apply.) a. Using premoistened disposable wipes for perineal care b. Turning the client from right to left every 2 hours c. Using an antibacterial soap to clean after each stool d. Applying a barrier cream to the skin after cleaning e. Keeping broken skin areas open to air to promote healing
A,B,D
A nurse assesses a client with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Which questions should the nurse include in this clients assessment? (Select all that apply.) a. Which food types cause an exacerbation of symptoms? b. Where is your pain and what does it feel like? c. Have you lost a significant amount of weight lately? d. Are your stools soft, watery, and black in color? e. Do you experience nausea associated with defecation?
A,B,E
After teaching a client with an anal fissure, a nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which client actions indicate that the client correctly understands the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Taking a warm sitz bath several times each day b. Utilizing a daily enema to prevent constipation c. Using bulk-producing agents to aid elimination d. Self-administering anti-inflammatory suppositories e. Taking a laxative each morning
A,C,D
A nurse inserts a nasogastric (NG) tube for an adult client who has a bowel obstruction. Which actions does the nurse perform correctly? (Select all that apply.) a. Performs hand hygiene and positions the client in high-Fowlers position, with pillows behind the head and shoulders b. Instructs the client to extend the neck against the pillow once the NG tube has reached the oropharynx c. Checks for correct placement by checking the pH of the fluid aspirated from the tube d. Secures the NG tube by taping it to the clients nose and pinning the end to the pillowcase e. Connects the NG tube to intermittent medium suction with an anti-reflux valve on the air vent
A,C,E
A nurse teaches a community group about food poisoning and gastroenteritis. Which statements should the nurse include in this groups teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Rotavirus is more common among infants and younger children. b. Escherichia coli diarrhea is transmitted by contact with infected animals. c. To prevent E. coli infection, don't drink water when swimming. d. Clients who have botulism should be quarantined within their home. e. Parasitic diseases may not show up for 1 to 2 weeks after infection.
A,C,E
A primary prevention tool used for colon cancer screening is a. abdominal x-rays. b. blood, urea, and nitrogen (BUN) testing. c. serum electrolytes. d. occult blood testing.
D
A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from a hemorrhoidectomy that was done the day before. The nurse notes that the client has lower abdominal distention accompanied by dullness to percussion over the distended area. Which action should the nurse take? a. Assess the clients heart rate and blood pressure. b. Determine when the client last voided. c. Ask if the client is experiencing flatus. d. Auscultate all quadrants of the clients abdomen.
B
A nurse cares for a client newly diagnosed with colon cancer who has become withdrawn from family members. Which action should the nurse take? a. Contact the provider and recommend a psychiatric consult for the client. b. Encourage the client to verbalize feelings about the diagnosis. c. Provide education about new treatment options with successful outcomes. d. Ask family and friends to visit the client and provide emotional support.
B
A nurse cares for a middle-aged male client who has irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The client states, I have changed my diet and take bulk-forming laxatives, but my symptoms have not gotten better. I heard about a drug called Amitiza. Do you think it might help? How should the nurse respond? a. This drug is still in the research phase and is not available for public use yet. b. Unfortunately, lubiprostone is approved only for use in women. c. Lubiprostone works well. I will recommend this prescription to your provider. d. This drug should not be used with bulk-forming laxatives.
B
A nurse cares for an older adult client who has Salmonella food poisoning. The clients vital signs are heart rate: 102 beats/min, blood pressure: 98/55 mm Hg, respiratory rate: 22 breaths/min, and oxygen saturation: 92%. Which action should the nurse complete first? a. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula. b. Administer intravenous fluids. c. Provide perineal care with a premedicated wipe. d. Teach proper food preparation to prevent contamination.
B
A nurse is preparing a patient for a magnetic resonance imaging scan. Which nursing action is most important? a. Ensuring that the patient does not eat or drink 2 hours before the examination b. Removing all of the patients metallic jewelry c. Administering a colon cleansing product 12 hours before the examination d. Obtaining an order for a pain medication before the test is performed
B
A patient expresses concerns over having black stool. The fecal occult test is negative. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate? a. This is probably a false negative; we should rerun the test. b. Do you take iron supplements? c. You should schedule a colonoscopy as soon as possible. d. Sometimes severe stress can alter stool color.
B
A patient with a hip fracture is having difficulty defecating into a bed pan while lying in bed. Which action by the nurse would assist the patient in having a successful bowel movement? a. Administering laxatives to the patient b. Raising the head of the bed c. Preparing to administer a barium enema d. Withholding narcotic pain medication
B
After teaching a client who has a new colostomy, the nurse provides feedback based on the clients ability to complete self-care activities. Which statement should the nurse include in this feedback? a. I realize that you had a tough time today, but it will get easier with practice. b. You cleaned the stoma well. Now you need to practice putting on the appliance. c. You seem to understand what I taught you today. What else can I help you with? d. You seem uncomfortable. Do you want your daughter to care for your ostomy?
B
After teaching a client who is prescribed adalimumab (Humira) for severe ulcerative colitis, the nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement made by the client indicates a need for additional teaching? a. I will avoid large crowds and people who are sick. b. I will take this medication with my breakfast each morning. c. Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of this drug. d. I must wash my hands after I play with my dog.
B
The nurse has attempted to administer a tap water enema for a patient with fecal impaction with no success. What is the next priority nursing action? a. Preparing the patient for a second tap water enema b. Donning gloves for digital removal of the stool c. Positioning the patient on the left side d. Inserting a rectal tube
B
Which nursing intervention is most effective in promoting normal defecation for a patient who has muscle weakness in the legs that prevents ambulation? a. Elevate the head of the bed 45 degrees 60 minutes after breakfast. b. Use a mobility device to place the patient on a bedside commode. c. Give the patient a pillow to brace against the abdomen while bearing down. d. Administer a soap suds enema every 2 hours.
B
Which patient is most at risk for increased peristalsis? a. A 5-year-old child who ignores the urge to defecate owing to embarrassment b. A 21-year-old patient with three final examinations on the same day c. A 40-year-old woman with major depressive disorder d. An 80-year-old man in an assisted-living environment
B
Which physiological change can cause a paralytic ileus? a. Chronic cathartic abuse b.Surgery for Crohn's disease and anesthesia c.Suppression of hydrochloric acid from medication d.Fecal impaction
B
After teaching a client who is recovering from a colon resection, the nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statements by the client indicate a correct understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. I must change the ostomy appliance daily and as needed. b. I will use warm water and a soft washcloth to clean around the stoma. c. I might start bicycling and swimming again once my incision has healed. d. Cutting the flange will help it fit snugly around the stoma to avoid skin breakdown. e. I will check the stoma regularly to make sure that it stays a deep red color. f. I must avoid dairy products to reduce gas and odor in the pouch.
B,C,D
After teaching a client with a parasitic gastrointestinal infection, a nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statements made by the client indicate that the client correctly understands the teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. I'll have my housekeeper keep my toilet clean. b. I must take a shower or bathe every day. c. I should have my well water tested. d. I will ask my sexual partner to have a stool test. e. I must only eat raw vegetables from my own garden.
B,C,D
A nurse assesses a client who has ulcerative colitis and severe diarrhea. Which assessment should the nurse complete first? a. Inspection of oral mucosa b. Recent dietary intake c. Heart rate and rhythm d. Percussion of abdomen
C
A nurse assesses a client who is hospitalized with an exacerbation of Crohn's disease. Which clinical manifestation should the nurse expect to find? a. Positive Murphys sign with rebound tenderness to palpitation b. Dull, hypoactive bowel sounds in the lower abdominal quadrants c. High-pitched, rushing bowel sounds in the right lower quadrant d. Reports of abdominal cramping that is worse at night
C
A nurse assessing a client with colorectal cancer auscultates high-pitched bowel sounds and notes the presence of visible peristaltic waves. Which action should the nurse take? a. Ask if the client is experiencing pain in the right shoulder. b. Perform a rectal examination and assess for polyps. c. Contact the provider and recommend computed tomography. d. Administer a laxative to increase bowel movement activity.
C
A nurse cares for a client who is prescribed mesalamine (Asacol) for ulcerative colitis. The client states, I am having trouble swallowing this pill. Which action should the nurse take? a. Contact the clinical pharmacist and request the medication in suspension form. b. Empty the contents of the capsule into applesauce or pudding for administration. c. Ask the health care provider to prescribe the medication as an enema instead. d. Crush the pill carefully and administer it in applesauce or pudding.
C
A nurse cares for a teenage girl with a new ileostomy. The client states, I cannot go to prom with an ostomy. How should the nurse respond? a. Sure you can. Purchase a prom dress one size larger to hide the ostomy appliance. b. The pouch wont be as noticeable if you avoid broccoli and carbonated drinks prior to the prom. c. Lets talk to the enterostomal therapist about options for ostomy supplies and dress styles d. You can remove the pouch from your ostomy appliance when you are at the prom so that it is less noticeable.
C
A nurse is caring for a patient who has had diarrhea for the past week. Which additional assessment finding would the nurse expect? a. Increased energy levels b. Distended abdomen c. Decreased serum bicarbonate d. Increased blood pressure
C
A nurse is caring for an older adult patient with fecal incontinence due to cathartic use. The nurse is most concerned about which complication that has the greatest risk for severe injury? a. Rectal skin breakdown b. Contamination of existing wounds c. Falls from attempts to reach the bathroom d. Cross-contamination into the upper GI tract
C
A nurse prepares a client for a colonoscopy scheduled for tomorrow. The client states, My doctor told me that the fecal occult blood test was negative for colon cancer. I don't think I need the colonoscopy and would like to cancel it. How should the nurse respond? a. Your doctor should not have given you that information prior to the colonoscopy. b. The colonoscopy is required due to the high percentage of false negatives with the blood test. c. A negative fecal occult blood test does not rule out the possibility of colon cancer. d. I will contact your doctor so that you can discuss your concerns about the procedure.
C
A nurse teaches a client who is at risk for colon cancer. Which dietary recommendation should the nurse teach this client? a. Eat low-fiber and low-residual foods. b. White rice and bread are easier to digest. c. Add vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower to your new diet. d. Foods high in animal fat help to protect the intestinal mucosa.
C
The nurse administers a cathartic to a patient. The nurse determines that the cathartic has had a therapeutic effect when the patient a. Has a decreased level of anxiety. b. Experiences pain relief. c. Has a bowel movement. d. Passes flatulence.
C
The nurse is preparing to perform a fecal occult blood test. The nurse plans to properly perform the examination by a. Applying liberal amounts of stool to the guaiac paper. b. Testing the quality control section before collecting the specimen section. c. Reporting any abnormal findings to the provider. d. Applying sterile disposable gloves.
C
The nurse would anticipate which diagnostic examination for a patient with black tarry stools? a. Ultrasound b. Barium enema c. Upper endoscopy d. Flexible sigmoidoscopy
C
A nurse assesses a male client with an abdominal hernia. Which abdominal hernias are correctly paired with their physiologic processes? (Select all that apply.) a. Indirect inguinal hernia An enlarged plug of fat eventually pulls the peritoneum and often the bladder into a sac b. Femoral hernia A peritoneum sac pushes downward and may descend into the scrotum c. Direct inguinal hernia A peritoneum sac passes through a weak point in the abdominal wall d. Ventral hernia Results from inadequate healing of an incision e. Incarcerated hernia Contents of the hernia sac cannot be reduced back into the abdominal cavity
C,D,E
A nurse cares for a client who has a family history of colon cancer. The client states, My father and my brother had colon cancer. What is the chance that I will get cancer? How should the nurse respond? a. If you eat a low-fat and low-fiber diet, your chances decrease significantly. b. You are safe. This is an autosomal dominant disorder that skips generations. c. Preemptive surgery and chemotherapy will remove cancer cells and prevent cancer. d. You should have a colonoscopy more frequently to identify abnormal polyps early.
D
retention
the persistent keeping in the body those materials normally secreted such as feces and urine
A nurse assesses a client who is prescribed 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) chemotherapy intravenously for the treatment of colon cancer. Which assessment finding should alert the nurse to contact the health care provider? a. White blood cell (WBC) count of 1500/mm3 b. Fatigue c. Nausea and diarrhea d. Mucositis and oral ulcers
A
A nurse assesses a client who is prescribed alosetron (Lotronex). Which assessment question should the nurse ask this client? a. Have you been experiencing any constipation? b. Are you eating a diet high in fiber and fluids? c. Do you have a history of high blood pressure? d. What vitamins and supplements are you taking?
A
A nurse assesses clients at a community health center. Which client is at highest risk for the development of colorectal cancer? a. A 37-year-old who drinks eight cups of coffee daily b. A 44-year-old with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) c. A 60-year-old lawyer who works 65 hours per week d. A 72-year-old who eats fast food frequently
D
A patient informs the nurse that she was using laxatives three times daily to lose weight. After stopping use of the laxative, the patient had difficulty with constipation and wonders if she needs to take laxatives again. The nurse educates the patient that a. Long-term laxative use causes the bowel to become less responsive to stimuli, and constipation may occur. b. Laxatives can cause trauma to the intestinal lining and scarring may result, leading to decreased peristalsis. c. Natural laxatives such as mineral oil are safer than chemical laxatives for relieving constipation. d. Laxatives cause the body to become malnourished, so when the patient begins eating again, the body absorbs all of the food, and no waste products are produced.
A
After teaching a client who has a femoral hernia, the nurse assesses the clients understanding. Which statement indicates the client needs additional teaching related to the proper use of a truss? a. I will put on the truss before I go to bed each night. b. Ill put some powder under the truss to avoid skin irritation. c. The truss will help my hernia because I cant have surgery. d. If I have abdominal pain, I'll let my health care provider know right away.
A
The nurse is devising a plan of care for a patient with the nursing diagnosis of Constipation related to opioid use. Which of the following outcomes would the nurse evaluate as successful for the patient to establish normal defecation? a. The patient reports eliminating a soft, formed stool. b. The patient has quit taking opioid pain medication. c. The patients lower left quadrant is tender to the touch. d. The nurse hears bowel sounds present in all four quadrants.
A
The nurse would expect the least formed stool to be present in which portion of the digestive tract? a. Ascending b. Descending c. Transverse d. Sigmoid
A
A nurse teaches a client how to avoid becoming ill with Salmonella infection again. Which statements should the nurse include in this clients teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Wash leafy vegetables carefully before eating or cooking them. b. Do not ingest water from the garden hose or the pool. c. Wash your hands before and after using the bathroom. d. Be sure meat is cooked to the proper temperature. e. Avoid eating eggs that are sunny side up or undercooked.
A,C,D,E
A nurse teaches a community group ways to prevent Escherichia coli infection. Which statements should the nurse include in this groups teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Wash your hands after any contact with animals. b. It is not necessary to buy a meat thermometer. c. Stay away from people who are ill with diarrhea. d. Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables. e. Avoid swimming in backyard pools and using hot tubs.
A,D
A nurse cares for a client who has a nasogastric (NG) tube. Which actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.) a. Assess for proper placement of the tube every 4 hours. b. Flush the tube with water every hour to ensure patency. c. Secure the NG tube to the clients upper lip. d. Disconnect suction when auscultating bowel peristalsis. e. Monitor the clients skin around the tube site for irritation.
A,D,E
The nurse knows that most nutrients are absorbed in which portion of the digestive tract? a. Stomach b. Duodenum c. Ileum d. Cecum
B
A nurse teaches a client who is recovering from a colon resection. Which statement should the nurse include in this clients plan of care? a. You may experience nausea and vomiting for the first few weeks b. Carbonated beverages can help decrease acid reflux from anastomosis sites. c. Take a stool softener to promote softer stools for ease of defecation. d. You may return to your normal workout schedule, including weight lifting.
C
The nurse should question which order? a. A normal saline enema to be repeated every 4 hours until stool is produced b. A hypertonic solution enema with a patient with fluid volume excess c. A Kayexalate enema for a patient with hypokalemia d. An oil retention enema for a patient using mineral oil laxatives
C
The process of digestion is important for every living organism for the purpose of nourishment. Where does most digestion take place in the body? a. Large intestine b. Stomach c. Small intestine d. Pancreas
C
Rectum
The sigmoid colon empties into this section of the intestines
An older adults perineal skin appears to be dry and thin with mild excoriation. When providing hygiene after a bowel movement, the nurse should a. Thoroughly scrub the skin with a wash cloth and hypoallergenic soap. b. Apply a skin protective lotion after perineal care. c. Tape an occlusive moisture barrier pad to the patients skin. d. Massage the skin with deep kneading pressure.
B
You are caring for a patient who has suffered a spinal cord injury. You are concerned about the patients elimination status. As the nurse, your primary concern is to a. speak with the patients family about food choices. b. establish a bowel and bladder program for the patient. c. speak with the patient about past elimination habits. d. establish a bedtime ritual for the patient.
B
An emergency room nurse assesses a client after a motor vehicle crash and notes ecchymotic areas across the clients lower abdomen. Which action should the nurse take first? a. Measure the clients abdominal girth. b. Assess for abdominal guarding or rigidity. c. Check the clients hemoglobin and hematocrit. d. Obtain the clients complete health history.
B
