Constipation - ANS reduced peristalsis with decreased movement through that stomach and
intestines
diarrhea - ANS excessive peristalsis with increased movement in large intestine resulting in
loose stool
retention - ANS the persistent keeping in the body those materials normally secreted such as
feces and urine
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 - ANS C
You are caring for a patient who has suffered a spinal cord injury. You are concerned about the
patient's elimination status. As the nurse, your primary concern is to
a. speak with the patient's 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. - ANS B
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 - ANS C
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. -
ANS A
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. - ANS D
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. - ANS A,B
When conducting a health history assessment, the nurse would want to know what important
information about the patient's 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 - ANS A,B,D,E
After teaching a client with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a nurse assesses the client's
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 - ANS B
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? - ANS A
After teaching a client who has a femoral hernia, the nurse assesses the client's 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. I'll put some powder under the truss to avoid skin irritation.
c. The truss will help my hernia because I can't have surgery.
d. If I have abdominal pain, I'll let my health care provider know right away. - ANS A
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 client's 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 client's abdomen. - ANS B
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 - ANS D
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. - ANS 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.
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