Eliopoulos - Gerontological Nursing 8th
Ed - Digestion and Bowel Elimination
Exam Questions and Answers
1. The nurse teaches an 87-year-old inactive client about avoiding constipation. Which
of the following fluid and diet choices should the nurse include in the teaching?
A) Avoid beverages with caffeine
B) Drink iced liquids
C) Encourage low-residue foods
D) Increase intake of fruit juices - Answers -Ans: D
Feedback:
It is important for older adults to incorporate good fluid intake, a diet rich in fruits and
vegetables to promote bowel health.
2. Which of the following statements by older adult clients should the nurse interpret as
a potential pathological process rather than a normal age-related change?
A) "Food just doesn't seem to have as much taste as it did when I was younger."
B) "I feel like it takes so much longer to digest my meals than it used to."
C) "Even when I have a bowel movement it often doesn't feel like it's complete."
D) "I tend to regurgitate a lot of my food after a meal these days." - Answers -Ans: D
Feedback:
Regurgitation is indicative of GERD or a hiatal hernia. Decreased taste sensation,
lower gastric motility, and incomplete bowel movements are considered normal, age-
related changes.
3. The nurse discusses nutritional health with an 89-year-old client whose total protein
level is 5 (abnormally low). Which of the following physiological changes should the
nurse interpret as a potential pathological process rather than a normal age-related
change?
A) Decreased amounts of pepsinogen released in the stomach
B) Decreased peristalsis of the esophagus and stomach
C) Decreased taste sensations, decreasing food intake
D) Decreased teeth and chewing ability - Answers -Ans: D
Feedback:
Tooth loss is not a normal aging change. Esophageal motility and stomach motility
decrease with advanced age causing presbyesophagus. The stomach has a higher pH
as a result of the declines in hydrochloric acid and pepsin (converted pepsinogen),
which can interfere with the absorption of proteins. The tongue atrophies, affecting the
taste buds and decreasing taste sensations.
, 4. The nurse discusses dental health with an 81-year-old client. Which of the following
statements, when made by the client is identified as true?
A) "Everyone loses their teeth, it's natural."
B) "I can't get any cavities any more, only young people get them."
C) "Fluoride treatments might help strengthen the enamel on my teeth."
D) "There is no treatment for my bad teeth and poor appetite." - Answers -Ans: C
Feedback:
Topical fluoride treatments are beneficial to the teeth of older persons. Tooth loss is
related to periodontal disease, not aging. Whereas the incidence of caries decreases
with age, it is still present.
5. The nurse assists the aging client to create a menu. Which of the following foods, if
requested by the client will require further teaching as it should not be included on this
list?
A) 2% milk
B) Canned tuna
C) Fried chicken
D) Squash - Answers -Ans: C
Feedback:
The pancreas experiences fibrosis, atrophy, and fatty acid deposits, along with a
reduction in pancreatic secretions; this can affect the digestion of fats and contribute to
intolerance for fatty foods. The decrease in hydrochloric acid can interfere with the
absorption of calcium, iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. There are fewer cells on the
absorbing surface of the intestinal walls affecting the absorption of dextrose, xylose,
calcium, iron, and vitamins B, B12, and D.
6. The nurse teaches a group of older adults about diet. Which of following
recommendations made by the nurse is most likely to result in the promotion of
gastrointestinal (GI) health?
A) "If possible, eat organic, whole foods."
B) "It's important to emphasize fiber and fluid intake."
C) "Try to maximize the amount of unsaturated fats you eat every day."
D) "You should try to limit your food and fluid intake." - Answers -Ans: B
Feedback:
Adequate fluid and fiber intake are central to GI health in older adults. Organic foods
are not noted to have a particular beneficial effect on GI health. Fats may not be well
tolerated with the decrease in pancreatic enzymes present. Food and fluids should not
be decreased.
7. The nurse develops a plan of care for a 75-year-old male patient who has had a
myocardial infarction (MI). Which of following characteristics of the man's history and
present conditions predispose him to constipation? (Select all that apply.)
A) The man has a history of GERD.
B) The man takes a -blocker for the treatment of hypertension.
C) The man's activity level is significantly reduced as a result of his MI.
D) The man has received several doses of morphine since admission.
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