Deck 23: Bowel Elimination

Question 1

Fecal impaction is

A)Passage of a hard,dry stool
B)Frequent passage of liquid stools
C)Prolonged retention and buildup of feces in the rectum
D)Inability to control the passage of feces and gas through the anus

Answer 1

Prolonged retention and buildup of feces in the rectum

Question 2

These statements are about normal elimination.Which is incorrect?

A)A bowel movement is needed every day.
B)Stools are normally brown.
C)Stools are normally soft,formed,moist,and shaped like the rectum.
D)Stools normally have an odor.

Answer 2

A bowel movement is needed every day.

Question 3

Feces move through the intestines by

A)Chyme
B)Peristalsis
C)Defecation
D)Flatulence

Answer 3

Peristalsis

Question 4

How many glasses of water does a person need daily to promote normal bowel elimination?

A)2 to 4
B)4 to 6
C)6 to 8
D)8 to 10

Question 5

Why does privacy affect elimination?

A)Bowel movements and sounds are embarrassing.
B)Some people usually have a bowel movement after breakfast.
C)Reading is relaxing.
D)The passage of feces slows down.

Question 6

Newborns usually have a bowel movement

A)3 times a day
B)6 times a day
C)With every feeding
D)In the morning and at bedtime

Question 7

A colostomy is a surgically created opening between the

A)Small intestine and abdominal wall
B)Colon and abdominal wall
C)Ileum and abdominal wall
D)Rectum and abdominal wall

Question 8

You are assisting a resident with elimination.You need to do the following except

A)Close doors,the privacy curtain,and window curtains,blinds,or shades
B)Follow Standard Precautions and the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
C)Place the signal light and toilet tissue within reach
D)Stand next to the person until the person is finished

Question 9

Which does not slow the passage of feces through the intestines?

A)Exercise and activity
B)Some medications
C)Aging
D)Disability

Question 10

Defecation is

A)Passage of a hard,dry stool
B)Frequent passage of liquid stools
C)Prolonged retention and accumulation of feces in the rectum
D)The process of excreting feces from the rectum through the anus

Question 11

An enema is

A)The excessive loss of water from tissues
B)The introduction of fluid into the rectum and lower colon
C)Gas or air in the stomach or intestines
D)A cone-shaped,solid drug inserted into a body opening

Question 12

Gas-forming foods aid defecation because they

A)Form chyme
B)Stimulate peristalsis
C)Absorb fluid
D)Are easy to chew and digest

Question 13

Fecal incontinence is the

A)Passage of a hard,dry stool
B)Frequent passage of liquid stools
C)Prolonged retention and accumulation of feces in the rectum
D)Inability to control the passage of feces and gas through the anus

Question 14

Breast-fed infants have

A)Yellow stools
B)Gray stools
C)Green stools
D)Black stools

Question 15

Which foods are needed for normal bowel elimination?

A)Milk
B)Chocolate
C)Fruits and vegetables
D)Fried foods

Question 16

Which fluids increase peristalsis?

A)Cold fluids
B)Warm fluids
C)Alcoholic beverages
D)Thick beverages

Question 17

Constipation is

A)Passage of a hard,dry stool
B)Frequent passage of liquid stools
C)Prolonged retention and accumulation of feces in the rectum
D)Inability to control the passage of feces and gas through the anus

Question 18

Flatulence is

A)The excessive formation of gas or air in the stomach and intestines
B)Gas or air passed through the anus
C)A black,tarry stool
D)Excreted feces

Question 19

Flatus is

A)The excessive formation of gas in the stomach and intestines
B)Gas or air passed through the anus
C)A black,tarry stool
D)Excreted feces

Question 20

What is a common time for bowel elimination?

A)Before breakfast
B)After breakfast
C)Before the evening meal
D)After the evening meal

Question 21

Which is not a cause of fecal incontinence?

A)Chronic illness
B)A high-fiber diet
C)Dementia
D)Not getting to the bathroom in time

Question 22

A patient complains of flatulence.The person has the following food choices.Which does not cause flatulence?

A)Onions
B)Beans
C)Cauliflower
D)Potatoes

Question 23

You report to the nurse that a resident is complaining of constipation.The nurse holds a care conference to discuss the person's care plan.The following measures are discussed.Which will not relieve constipation?

A)Increasing the person's fluid intake
B)Encouraging the person to walk more
C)Offering the person tea and prune juice at breakfast
D)Doing a digital rectal examination

Question 24

Checking for and removing impactions are dangerous because

A)The procedure embarrasses some people
B)The procedure is uncomfortable
C)The vagus nerve in the rectum can be stimulated
D)The procedure causes the urge to defecate

Question 25

A resident has diarrhea.You know that the person is at risk for

A)Dehydration
B)Enema
C)Fecal incontinence
D)An ostomy

Question 26

Stimulation of the vagus nerve in the rectum

A)Increases the heart rate
B)Slows the heart rate
C)Increases the respiratory rate
D)Slows the respiratory rate

Question 27

A person has fecal incontinence.The following measures are part of the care plan.Which should you question?

A)Assist with elimination only after meals.
B)Assist with elimination every 2 to 3 hours.
C)Give good skin care.
D)Empty ostomy pouch when feces are present.

Question 28

Why is diarrhea serious in infants and young children?

A)Stools are liquid and watery.
B)They cannot meet their own needs.
C)They have large amounts of body water and are at risk for dehydration.
D)Diarrhea causes abdominal cramping and discomfort.

Question 29

A patient complains of flatulence.Which position often produces flatus?

A)Fowler's
B)Semi-Fowler's
C)Right side-lying
D)Left side-lying

Question 30

A patient complains of constipation.If the person is constipated,you would expect her stools to be

A)Large or marble-sized
B)Liquid
C)Soft and shaped like the rectum
D)Black and tarry

Question 31

A patient complains of constipation.If the person is constipated,you would expect her stools to be

A)Hard and dry
B)Liquid
C)Soft and formed
D)Putty-like

Question 32

Which is a sign of fecal impaction?

A)The frequent passage of liquid stools
B)Marble-sized stools
C)Liquid feces seeping from the anus
D)Passage of large stools

Question 33

Which is not a symptom of fecal impaction?

A)Abdominal discomfort
B)Rectal pain
C)Nausea
D)Joint pain

Question 34

Which can occur if constipation is not relieved?

A)Fecal impaction
B)Enema
C)Diarrhea
D)Suppository

Question 35

The nurse did a digital removal of an impaction.This means that the nurse

A)Gave an enema
B)Gave a suppository
C)Used a lubricated,gloved finger to remove the impaction
D)Applied an ostomy pouch

Question 36

A resident has diarrhea.To prevent odors and the spread of microbes,you need to do the following except

A)Practice Standard Precautions
B)Follow the Bloodborne Pathogen Standard
C)Dispose of stools promptly
D)Have the person use the commode

Question 37

A resident has finished defecating.You need to do the following except

A)Assist with perineal care as necessary
B)Dispose of stools promptly
C)Assist the person with hand washing
D)Give the person a suppository

Question 38

A person has diarrhea.You know that liquid feces and frequent wiping can lead to

A)Skin breakdown
B)Dehydration
C)Oliguria
D)Death

Question 39

You are removing a fecal impaction.When you check the person's pulse,you note an irregular rhythm.What should you do?

A)Finish the procedure and call the nurse.
B)Stop the procedure.
C)Ask if the person feels well enough to continue.
D)Check the other vital signs.If they are normal,continue the procedure.

Question 40

What is the usual position for defecation?

A)Sitting or squatting
B)Sims'
C)Semi-Fowler's
D)Left side-lying

Question 41

The doctor ordered a saline enema.What is added to the enema solution?

A)Mineral oil
B)A drug
C)Castile soap
D)Salt

Question 42

What is the preferred position for giving an enema?

A)Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position
B)Sims' or left side-lying position
C)Prone or supine position
D)Supine or right side-lying position

Question 43

You do not administer an enema that contains

A)Mineral oil
B)A drug
C)Castile soap
D)Salt

Question 44

The nurse gave a patient a suppository.When should you expect the person to have a bowel movement?

A)Right away
B)In 10 minutes
C)In 20 minutes
D)In 30 minutes

Question 45

You are preparing to give a saline enema.To remove air from the enema tube,you need to

A)Close the clamp
B)Lubricate the tip
C)Let solution flow through the tube
D)Keep the enema bag level with the anus

Question 46

You know that enemas

A)Are given before certain surgeries and diagnostic procedures
B)Are not given before surgery
C)Are not given to children
D)Are only given to relieve constipation and fecal impaction

Question 47

Enemas are given to relieve the following problems except

A)Diarrhea
B)Constipation
C)Fecal impaction
D)Flatulence

Question 48

How much enema solution is usually given to an adult?

A)100 to 120 mL
B)200 to 300 mL
C)500 to 750 mL
D)500 to 1000 mL

Question 49

Giving an enema is delegated to you.Because of the end-of-shift report,the nurse will not be available to supervise you.What should you do?

A)Ask a co-worker to help you.
B)Give the enema if it is in your job description.
C)Give the enema because it was part of your education and training.
D)Refuse to give the enema because the nurse is not available to supervise you.

Question 50

You are giving a saline enema.During the procedure,the person complains of cramping.What should you do?

A)Call for the nurse.
B)Clamp the tubing.
C)Remove the tubing.
D)Insert the tubing farther.

Question 51

A bowel training program was developed for a resident.The person usually has a bowel movement after breakfast.When should you assist the person with elimination?

A)Before breakfast
B)After breakfast
C)Before lunch
D)After lunch

Question 52

You are giving a cleansing enema.Which action is unsafe?

A)Inserting the tube 6 inches into the adult's rectum
B)Holding the solution bag 12 inches above the anus
C)Lubricating the enema tip before inserting it
D)Measuring water temperature with the bath thermometer

Question 53

Which enema is very irritating to the bowel's mucous lining?

A)Saline enema
B)Soapsuds enema
C)Tap-water enema
D)Oil-retention enema

Question 54

A patient complains of flatulence.The following measures are part of the person's care plan.Which should you question?

A)Offer carbonated beverages
B)Have the person move about when in bed
C)Encourage walking
D)Encourage exercise

Question 55

You need to give a cleansing enema to a toddler.The nurse will tell you how far to insert the enema tube.

Question 56

Saline enemas are used for cleansing enemas in children.

Question 57

A cleansing enema takes effect

A)Right away
B)In 5 to 10 minutes
C)In 10 to 20 minutes
D)In 30 minutes

Question 58

Bowel training is helpful for preventing the following except

A)Diarrhea
B)Fecal impaction
C)Constipation
D)Fecal incontinence

Question 59

How far is the enema tube usually inserted into the adult rectum?

A)1 to 3 inches
B)2 to 4 inches
C)4 to 5 inches
D)5 to 6 inches

Question 60

Water temperature for an enema solution for adults usually is

A)100°F
B)105°F
C)110°F
D)Body temperature

Question 61

These statements are about colostomies.Which is incorrect?

A)The person wears a pouch to collect feces and flatus.
B)Stool consistency depends on the colostomy site.
C)The more colon remaining,the more liquid the stool.
D)Good skin care is necessary because feces irritate the skin.

Question 62

To empty an ostomy pouch

A)The belt is removed
B)The pouch is removed
C)The drain at the top is opened
D)The drain at the bottom is opened

Question 63

Oil-retention enemas are given for

A)Constipation or fecal impaction
B)Flatulence
C)Certain surgeries and diagnostic procedures
D)Ostomies

Question 64

Before disposing of the enema results,you need to

A)Make your observations
B)Ask the resident to observe the results
C)Provide perineal care
D)Disinfect the bedpan or commode

Question 65

Which will not prevent ostomy pouch odors?

A)Good hygiene
B)Emptying the pouch
C)Putting deodorants into the pouch
D)Eating cucumbers and radishes

Question 66

When is the best time to shower with an ostomy pouch off?

A)Before breakfast
B)After breakfast
C)After the evening meal
D)Before bedtime

Question 67

Persons with ostomies manage their own care if able.

Question 68

A person with an ostomy pouch wears

A)Tight clothes
B)Normal clothes
C)A hospital gown
D)Clothes selected by the nurse

Question 69

Ostomy pouches are usually changed

A)Every day
B)Every time feces are present
C)Every 3 to 7 days
D)Every month

Question 70

After giving an oil-retention enema,the person is left in the

A)Fowler's or semi-Fowler's position
B)Sims' or left side-lying position
C)Prone or supine position
D)Supine or right side-lying position

Question 71

Touching an ostomy stoma causes pain and discomfort.

Question 72

A person has an ostomy pouch.The pouch is bulging from flatus.What should you do?

A)Call for the nurse.
B)Make a hole in the pouch for the escape of gas.
C)Open the pouch.
D)Change the pouch.

Question 73

You just applied a new ostomy pouch.When can the person shower or bathe?

A)Right away
B)In 1 to 2 hours
C)In 8 hours
D)The next day

Question 74

A person has an ileostomy.Which statement is incorrect?

A)The entire colon was removed.
B)Feces are liquid in consistency.
C)Feces drain constantly from the ileostomy.
D)Water is absorbed before feces are expelled into the pouch.

Question 75

Oil-retention enemas are retained for at least

A)15 minutes
B)15 to 30 minutes
C)30 to 60 minutes
D)3 hours

Question 76

Ostomy pouches are disposed of by flushing them down the toilet.