Ch 39, 40, 41

A client presents to the emergency room with a possible diagnosis of appendicitis. The health care provider asks the nurse to assess for tenderness at McBurney's point. The nurse knows to palpate which area?

Between the umbilicus and the anterior superior iliac spine

Which is one of the primary symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

Diarrhea

A client underwent a continent ileostomy. Within which time frame should the client expect to empty the reservoir?

Every 4 to 6 hours

An elderly client diagnosed with diarrhea is taking digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse be alert to?

Hypokalemia Rationale: The older client taking digitalis 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.

A client is recovering from an ileostomy that was performed to treat inflammatory bowel disease. During discharge teaching, what would the nurse stress the importance of?

Increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration

The nurse is caring for an older adult patient experiencing fecal incontinence. When planning the care of this patient, what should the nurse designate as a priority goal?

Maintaining skin integrity

Vomiting results in which of the following acid-base imbalances?

Metabolic alkalosis

Which of the following is considered a bulk-forming laxative?

Metamucil

Celiac disease (celiac sprue) is an example of which category of malabsorption?

Mucosal disorders causing generalized malabsorption

The nurse is assessing a client for constipation. Which review should the nurse conduct first to identify the cause of constipation?

Usual pattern of elimination Rationale: 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.

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:

hypokalemia. Rationale: 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.

An older adult client in a long-term care facility is concerned about bowel regularity. During a client education session, the nurse reinforces the medically acceptable definition of "regularity." What is the actual measurement of "regular"?

stool consistency and client comfort

Medical management of a patient with peritonitis includes fluid, electrolyte, and colloid replacement. The nurse knows to prepare the initial, most appropriate intravenous solution. Which of the following is the correct solution?

0.9% NS

The nurse is assisting a client to drain his continent ileostomy (Kock pouch). The nurse should insert the catheter how far through the nipple/valve?

2 in

A patient with IBD would be encouraged to increase fluids, use vitamins and iron supplements, and follow a diet designed to reduce inflammation. Select the meal choice that would be recommended for a low-residue diet.

Broiled chicken with low-fiber pasta

An older adult client seeks help for chronic constipation. What factor related to aging can cause constipation in elderly clients?

Decreased abdominal strength

A nurse is caring for a client with cardiac disease. The client asks the nurse which medication is best for help with regular bowel movements. What is the best response by the nurse?

Docusate

A client has been recently diagnosed with an anorectal condition. The nurse is reviewing interventions that will assist the client with managing the therapeutic regimen. What would not be included?

Encourage the client to avoid exercise.

A patient diagnosed with IBS is advised to eat a diet that is:

High in fiber.

After undergoing a total cystectomy and urinary diversion, a client has a Kock pouch (continent internal reservoir) in place. Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

I'll have to wear an external collection pouch for the rest of my life."

The nurse is comparing Crohn's disease (regional enteritis) with ulcerative colitis. Which of the following describes Crohn's disease?

Its course is prolonged and variable

The nurse is caring for a client with diarrhea. For which finding will the nurse suspect the diarrhea is caused by pancreatic insufficiency?

Oil droplets on the toilet water

During assessment of a client for a malabsorption disorder, the nurse notes a history of abdominal pain and weight loss, marked steatorrhea, azotorrhea, and frequent glucose intolerance. Based on these clinical features, what diagnosis will the nurse suspect?

Pancreatic insufficiency

Which category of laxatives draws water into the intestines by osmosis?

Saline agents (e.g., magnesium hydroxide

The nurse is conducting a gastrointestinal assessment. When the client reports the presence of mucus and pus in the stool, the nurse assesses for additional signs/symptoms of which disease/condition?1

Ulcerative colitis

A nurse is assessing a client and obtains the following findings: abdominal discomfort, mild diarrhea, blood pressure of 100/80 mm Hg, pulse rate of 88 beats/minute, respiratory rate of 20 breaths/minute, temperature 100° F (37.8° C). What diagnosis will the nurse suspect for this client?

inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) IBD is a collective term for several GI inflammatory diseases with unknown causes. The most prominent sign of IBD is mild diarrhea, which sometimes is accompanied by fever and abdominal discomfort. Colorectal cancer is usually diagnosed after the client complains of bloody stools; the client will rarely have abdominal discomfort. A client with diverticulitis commonly states he has chronic constipation with occasional diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distention. Jaundice, coagulopathies, edema, and hepatomegaly are common signs of liver failure.

The American Cancer Society recommends routine screening to detect colorectal cancer. Which screening test for colorectal cancer should a nurse recommend?

Annual digital examination after age 40 The American Cancer Society recommends an annual digital examination after age 40 for the purpose of detecting colorectal cancer. The CEA test is performed on clients who have already been treated for colorectal cancer. It helps monitor a client's response to treatment as well as detect metastasis or recurrence. Proctosigmoidoscopy is recommended every 3 to 5 years for people older than age 50. Barium enema isn't a screening test.

Which characteristic is a risk factor for colorectal cancer?

Familial polyposis

A patient with irritable bowel syndrome has been having more frequent symptoms lately and is not sure what lifestyle changes may have occurred. What suggestion can the nurse provide to identify a trigger for the symptoms?

Keep a 1- to 2-week symptom and food diary to identify food triggers.

A patient is not having daily bowel movements and has begun taking a laxative for this problem. What should the nurse educate the patient about regarding laxative use?

Laxatives should not be routinely taken due to destruction of nerve endings in the colon.

A client suspected of having colorectal cancer requires which diagnostic study to confirm the diagnosis?

Sigmoidoscopy

A nurse is caring for a client who has experienced an acute exacerbation of Crohn's disease. Which statement best indicates that the disease process is under control

The client exhibits signs of adequate GI perfusion.

A nursing assessment of a client with peritonitis reveals hypotension, tachycardia, and signs and symptoms of dehydration. What else would the nurse expect to find?

severe abdominal pain with direct palpation or rebound tenderness Rationale: Peritonitis decreases intestinal motility and causes intestinal distention. A classic sign of peritonitis is a sudden, diffuse, severe abdominal pain that intensifies in the area of the underlying causative disorder (i.e., appendicitis, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, a strangulated obstruction). The client may also have rebound tenderness. Tenderness and pain in the right upper abdominal quadrant suggest cholecystitis. Jaundice and vomiting are signs of cirrhosis of the liver. Rectal bleeding or a change in bowel habits may indicate colorectal cancer.

The nurse teaches the client whose surgery will result in a sigmoid colostomy that the feces expelled through the colostomy will be

solid

Medical management of a patient with peritonitis includes fluid, electrolyte, and colloid replacement. The nurse knows to prepare the initial, most appropriate intravenous solution. Which of the following is the correct solution?

0.9% NS Rationale: The administration of several liters of an isotonic solution is immediately prescribed. Hypovolemia occurs because massive amounts of fluid and electrolytes move from the intestinal lumen into the peritoneal cavity and deplete the fluid in the vascular space.

A nurse is preparing a presentation for a local community group of older adults about colon cancer. What would the nurse include as the primary characteristic associated with this disorder?

A change in bowel habits Rationale: Although abdominal distention and blood in the stool (frank or occult) may be present, the chief characteristic of cancer of the colon is a change in bowel habits, such as alternating constipation and diarrhea. Abdominal pain is a late sign.

After assessing a client with peritonitis, how would the nurse most likely document the client's bowel sounds?

Absent

When preparing a client for a hemorrhoidectomy, the nurse should take which action?

Administer an enema as ordered.

A client reports having increased incidence of constipation. What can cause constipation?

All options are correct. insufficient fiber emotional stress inactivity

Which drug is considered a stimulant laxative?

Bisacodyl

Which drug is considered a stimulant laxative?

Bisacodyl Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative. Magnesium hydroxide is a saline agent. Mineral oil is a lubricant. Psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid is a bulk-forming agent.

Which of the following would a nurse expect to assess in a client with peritonitis?

Board-like abdomen Rationale: The client with peritonitis would typically exhibit a rigid, board-like abdomen, with absent bowel sounds, elevated pulse rate, and rapid, shallow respirations.

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 Rationale: 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.

A patient is admitted to the hospital after not having had a bowel movement in several days. The nurse observes the patient is having small liquid stools, a grossly distended abdomen, and abdominal cramping. What complication can this patient develop related to this problem?

Bowel perforation

Which is the most common presenting symptom of colon cancer?

Change in bowel habits Rationale: The most common presenting symptom is a change in bowel habits. Fatigue, anorexia, and weight loss may occur but are not the most common presenting symptoms.

The nurse is irrigating a client's colostomy when the client begins to report cramping. What is the appropriate action by the nurse?

Clamp the tubing and allow client to rest.

A patient is suspected to have diverticulosis without symptoms of diverticulitis. What diagnostic test does the nurse anticipate educating the patient about prior to scheduling?

Colonoscopy

A patient is suspected to have diverticulosis without symptoms of diverticulitis. What diagnostic test does the nurse anticipate educating the patient about prior to scheduling?

Colonoscopy Diverticulosis is typically diagnosed by colonoscopy, which permits visualization of the extent of diverticular disease and biopsy of tissue to rule out other diseases. In the past, barium enema was the preferred diagnostic test, but it is now used less frequently than colonoscopy. CT with contrast agent is the diagnostic test of choice if the suspected diagnosis is diverticulitis; it can also reveal abscesses.

Which statement provides accurate information regarding cancer of the colon and rectum?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common site of cancer in the United States. Rationale: cancer of the colon and rectum is the third most common site of new cancer cases in the United States. Colon cancer affects more than twice as many people as does rectal cancer (94,700 for colon, 34,700 for rectum). The incidence increases with age (the incidence is highest in people older than 85). Colon cancer occurrence is higher in people with a family history of colon cancer.

A client presents with an infection in the area between the internal and external sphincters. In which chronic disease is this condition commonly seen?

Crohn disease An anorectal abscess is common in clients with Crohn disease.

The nurse is preparing a client for a test that involves inserting a thick barium paste into the rectum with radiographs taken as the client expels the barium. What test will the nurse prepare the client for?

Defecography Rationale: In defecography, a thick barium paste is inserted into the rectum. Radiographs are taken as the client expels the barium to determine whether there are any anatomic abnormalities or problems with the muscles surrounding the anal sphincter. A KUB will not determine this. Colonic transit studies are used to determine how long it takes for food to travel through the intestines. Abdominal radiography will show the structure but does not determine the muscle ability surrounding the anal sphincter.

What information should the nurse include in the teaching plan for a client being treated for diverticulosis?

Drink at least 8 to 10 large glasses of fluid every day

What information should the nurse include in the teaching plan for a client being treated for diverticulosis?

Drink at least 8 to 10 large glasses of fluid every day Rationale: The nurse should instruct a client with diverticulosis to drink at least 8 to 10 large glasses of fluid every day. The client should include unprocessed bran in the diet because it adds bulk, and should avoid the use of laxatives or enemas except when recommended by the physician. In addition, regular exercise should be encouraged if the client's current lifestyle is somewhat inactive.

The nurse is caring for a patient who has malabsorption syndrome with an undetermined cause. What procedure will the nurse assist with that is the best diagnostic test for this illness?

Endoscopy with mucosal biopsy

A surgeon is discussing surgery with a client diagnosed with colon cancer. The client is visibly shaken over the possibility of a colostomy. Based on the client's response, the surgeon should collaborate with which health team member?

Enterostomal nurse

The nurse is caring for a client with a suspected megacolon. The nurse anticipates that one of the findings of assessment will be

Fecal incontinence Rationale: The nurse should anticipate fecal incontinence as one of the assessment findings. Other possible assessment findings include constipation and abdominal distention.

Which of the following is accurate regarding regional enteritis?

Fistulas are common Rationale: Fistulas are common with regional enteritis. There is narrowing of the colon, mild bleeding, and diarrhea is less severe than ulcerative colitis.

A nurse is applying an ostomy appliance to the ileostomy of a client with ulcerative colitis. Which action is appropriate?

Gently washing the area surrounding the stoma using a facecloth and mild soap Rationale: 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.

A client with Crohn's disease is losing weight. For which reason will the nurse anticipate the client being prescribed parenteral nutrition?

Impaired ability to absorb foood Rationale: A client with Crohn's disease will have an impaired ability to ingest or absorb food orally or enterally. Clients with severe burns, malnutrition, short-bowel syndrome, AIDS, sepsis, and cancer would need parenteral nutrition because of insufficient oral intake. Unwillingness to ingest nutrients orally would cause a client with a major psychiatric illness to need parenteral nutrition. Prolonged surgical nutritional needs such as what occurs after extensive bowel surgery or acute pancreatitis would necessitate the need for parenteral nutrition.

client is reporting problems with constipation. What dietary suggestion can the nurse inform the client may help facilitate the passage of stool?

Increase dietary fiber.

A client is recovering from an ileostomy that was performed to treat inflammatory bowel disease. During discharge teaching, what would the nurse stress the importance of?

Increasing fluid intake to prevent dehydration Rationale: Because stool forms in the large intestine, an ileostomy typically drains liquid waste. To avoid fluid loss through ileostomy drainage, the nurse should instruct the client to increase fluid intake. The nurse should teach the client to wear a collection appliance at all times because ileostomy drainage is incontinent, to avoid high-fiber foods because they may irritate the intestines, and to avoid enteric-coated medications because the body can't absorb them after an ileostomy.

A patient visited a nurse practitioner because he had diarrhea for 2 weeks. He described his stool as large and greasy. The nurse knows that this description is consistent with a diagnosis of:

Intestinal malabsorption Watery stools are characteristic of disorders of the small bowel, whereas loose, semisolid stools are associated more often with disorders of the large bowel. Large, greasy stools suggest intestinal malabsorption, and the presence of mucus and pus in the stools suggests inflammatory enteritis or colitis.

The instructor is 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 Rationale: 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.

Diet modifications for patient diagnosed with chronic inflammatory bowel disease include which of the following?

Low residue Rationale: 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.

When preparing a client for surgery to treat appendicitis, the nurse formulates a nursing diagnosis of Risk for infection related to inflammation, perforation, and surgery. What is the rationale for choosing this nursing diagnosis?

Obstruction of the appendix reduces arterial flow, leading to ischemia, inflammation, and rupture of the appendix.

The nurse is caring for a client with intussusception of the bowel. What does the nurse understand occurs with this disorder?

One part of the intestine telescopes into another portion of the intestine. Rationale: In intussusception of the bowel, one part of the intestine telescopes into another portion of the intestine. When the bowel twists and turns itself and obstructs the intestinal lumen, this is known as a volvulus. A hernia is when the bowel protrudes through a weakened area in the abdominal wall. An adhesion is a loop of intestine that adheres to an area that is healing slowly after surgery.

A client with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis is awaiting surgical intervention. The nurse listens to bowel sounds and hears none and observes that the abdomen is rigid and board-like. What complication does the nurse determine may be occurring at this time?

Peritonitis

Post appendectomy, a nurse should assess the patient for abdominal rigidity and tenderness, fever, loss of bowel sounds, and tachycardia, all clinical signs of:

Peritonitis Rationale: Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the viscera. Peritonitis is typically a life-threatening emergency that requires prompt surgical intervention, and typically involves postoperative critical care monitoring due to the risk of sepsis, organ failure, and subsequent infections.

A client's large bowel obstruction has failed to resolve spontaneously and the client's worsening condition has warranted admission to the medical unit. Which of the following aspect of nursing care is most appropriate for this client?

Preparing the client for surgical bowel resection

When the nurse interviews a client with internal hemorrhoids, what would the nurse expect the client to report?

Rectal bleeding Rationale: Internal hemorrhoids often cause bleeding but are usually not painful. Severe pain is associated with external hemorrhoids, due to the inflammation and edema caused by thrombosis. Pus is associated with an anorectal abscess or anal fistula. While straining against hard stools due to constipation is one potential cause of hemorrhoids, there are many other causes including chronic diarrhea, pregnancy, prolonged sitting, and others.

A client with a cyst has been brought for care. The nurse who is contributing to the client's care knows that treatment will be chosen based on what risk?

Risk for infection

A client is diagnosed with Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. The nurse knows to assess the client for which characteristic clinical feature of this syndrome?

Steatorrhea Hyperacidity in the duodenum inactivates pancreatic enzymes causing steatorrhea and ulcer diathesis.

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a client with Crohn disease. Which of the following would the nurse most likely find?

Stool cultures negative for microorganisms or parasite

A client who has undergone colostomy surgery is experiencing constipation. Which intervention should a nurse consider for such a client?

Suggest fluid intake of at least 2 L/day Rationale: The nurse should suggest a fluid intake of at least 2 L/day to help the client avoid constipation. The nurse should also offer prune or apple juice because they promote elimination. The nurse should encourage the client to eat regular meals. Dieting or fasting can decrease stool volume and slow elimination. The nurse should instruct the client to keep a record of food intake in case of diarrhea, because this helps identify specific foods that irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

A nurse is caring for a client who has experienced an acute exacerbation of Crohn's disease. Which statement best indicates that the disease process is under control?

The client exhibits signs of adequate GI perfusion. Rationale: Adequate GI perfusion can be maintained only if Crohn's disease is controlled. If the client experiences acute, uncontrolled episodes of Crohn's disease, impaired GI perfusion may lead to a bowel infarction. Positive self-image, a manageable level of discomfort, and intact skin integrity are expected client outcomes, but aren't related to control of the disease.

Which is a true statement regarding regional enteritis (Crohn's disease)?

The clusters of ulcers take on a cobblestone appearance

Which is a true statement regarding regional enteritis (Crohn's disease)?

The clusters of ulcers take on a cobblestone appearance.

A client reports 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. Rationale: 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.

The nurse is conducting a gastrointestinal assessment. When the client reports the presence of mucus and pus in the stool, the nurse assesses for additional signs/symptoms of which disease/condition?

Ulcerative colitis Rationale: The presence of mucus and pus in the stool suggests ulcerative colitis. Watery stools are characteristic of small-bowel disease. Loose, semisolid stools are associated more often with disorders of the colon. Voluminous, greasy stools suggest intestinal malabsorption.

The presence of mucus and pus in the stools suggests which condition?

Ulcerative colitis Rationale: The presence of mucus and pus in the stools suggests ulcerative colitis. Watery stools are characteristic of small-bowel disease. Loose, semisolid stools are associated more often with disorders of the colon. Voluminous, greasy stools suggest intestinal malabsorption.

Diet therapy for clients diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) includes:

high-fiber diet. Rationale: A high-fiber diet is prescribed to help control constipation. Individuals experiencing diarrhea may be advised to eat a low-fiber diet. Foods that are possible irritants, such as caffeine, spicy foods, lactose, beans, fried foods, corn, wheat, and alcohol, should be avoided. Fluids should not be taken with meals because they cause abdominal distention.

The nurse is caring for an older adult client with enteritis who reports frequent diarrhea. Which assessment finding should the nurse anticipate?

metabolic acidosis Rationale: Diarrhea causes a bicarbonate deficit. With loss of the relative alkalinity of the lower GI tract, the relative acidity of the upper GI tract predominates, leading to metabolic acidosis. Loss of acid, which occurs with severe vomiting, may lead to metabolic alkalosis. Diarrhea leads to hypokalemia. Elevated neutrophils are associated with infection and not frequent diarrhea. Rovsing sign is associated with appendicitis.

A nurse is performing focused assessment on her clients. She expects to hear hypoactive bowel sounds in a client with:

paralytic ileus.

The nurse teaches the client whose surgery will result in a sigmoid colostomy that the feces expelled through the colostomy will be

solid. Rationale: With a sigmoid colostomy, the feces are solid. With a descending colostomy, the feces are semi mushy. With a transverse colostomy, the feces are mushy. With an ascending colostomy, the feces are fluid.

A client informs the nurse of having abdominal pain that is relieved when having a bowel movement. The health care provider diagnosed the client with irritable bowel syndrome. What does the nurse recognize as characteristic of this disorder

Chronic constipation with sporadic bouts of diarrhea 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.

A client informs the nurse of having abdominal pain that is relieved when having a bowel movement. The health care provider diagnosed the client with irritable bowel syndrome. What does the nurse recognize as characteristic of this disorder?

Chronic constipation with sporadic bouts of diarrhea Rationale: 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.

A client is having a diagnostic workup for reports of frequent diarrhea, right lower abdominal pain, and weight loss. The nurse is reviewing the results of the barium study and notes the presence of "string sign." What does the nurse understand that this is significant of?

Crohn's disease The most conclusive diagnostic aid for Crohn's disease has classically been a barium study of the upper GI tract that shows a "string sign" on an x-ray film of the terminal ileum, indicating the constriction of a segment of intestine.

The nurse in an extended-care facility reports that a resident has clinical manifestations of fecal incontinence. The health care provider orders a diagnostic study to rule out inflammation. Which study will the nurse prepare the client for?

Flexible sigmoidoscopy

A client has a 3 lumen central line inserted into the subclavian vein for parenteral nutrition. Which approach will the nurse take to maintain patency?

Flush each port with diluted heparin in a 10 mL syringe once a shift.

Celiac disease (celiac sprue) is an example of which category of malabsorption?

Mucosal disorders causing generalized malabsorption Rationale: 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.

A client with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis is awaiting surgical intervention. The nurse listens to bowel sounds and hears none and observes that the abdomen is rigid and board-like. What complication does the nurse determine may be occurring at this time?

Peritonitis Rationale: Lack of bowel motility typically accompanies peritonitis. The abdomen feels rigid and board-like as it distends with gas and intestinal contents. Bowel sounds typically are absent. The diagnosis of acute appendicitis correlates with the symptoms of rupture of the appendix and peritonitis. A paralytic ileus and gas alone do not produce these symptoms.

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 Rationale: 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.

client's large bowel obstruction has failed to resolve spontaneously and the client's worsening condition has warranted admission to the medical unit. Which of the following aspect of nursing care is most appropriate for this client?

Preparing the client for surgical bowel resection

A nurse is caring for a client who had an ileal conduit 3 days earlier. The nurse examines the stoma site and determines that she should consult with the ostomy nurse. Which assessment finding indicates the need for further consultation?

Red, sensitive skin around the stoma site

A client presents to the ED with acute abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. During the client's examination, the lower left abdominal quadrant is palpated, causing the client to report pain in the RLQ. This positive sign is referred to as ________ and suggests the client may be experiencing ________.

Rovsing sign; acute appendicitis Rationale: When an examiner deeply palpates the left lower abdominal quadrant and the client feels pain in the RLQ, this is referred to as a positive Rovsing sign and suggests acute appendicitis.

A client tells the nurse, "I am not having normal bowel movements." When differentiating between what are normal and abnormal bowel habits, what indicators are the most important?

The consistency of stool and comfort when passing stool Rationale: In differentiating normal from abnormal, the consistency of stools and the comfort with which a person passes them are more reliable indicators than is the frequency of bowel elimination. People differ greatly in their bowel habits and normal bowel patterns range from three bowel movements per day to three bowel movements per week. It is important for the stool to be soft to pass without pain. The client may not be able to fully evacuate with a bowel movement; it may take time.

The nurse is conducting a gastrointestinal assessment. When the client reports the presence of mucus and pus in the stool, the nurse assesses for additional signs/symptoms of which disease/condition?

Ulcerative colitis The presence of mucus and pus in the stool suggests ulcerative colitis. Watery stools are characteristic of small-bowel disease. Loose, semisolid stools are associated more often with disorders of the colon. Voluminous, greasy stools suggest intestinal malabsorption.

A nurse is preparing to provide care for a client whose exacerbation of ulcerative colitis has required hospital admission. During an exacerbation of this health problem, the nurse would anticipate that the client's stools will have what characteristics?

Watery with blood and mucus The predominant symptoms of ulcerative colitis are diarrhea and abdominal pain. Stools may be bloody and contain mucus. Stools are not hard, dry, tarry, black or fatty in clients who have ulcerative colitis