Question 1

During a digital examination of the rectum,the nurse notes that the patient has hard feces in the rectum.The patient complains of feeling "full," has a distended abdomen,and states that she has not had a bowel movement "for several days." The nurse suspects which condition?

Accepted Answer

A fecal impaction is a collection of hard,desiccated feces in the rectum.The obstruction often results from decreased bowel motility,in which more water is reabsorbed from the stool.

Question 2

Which of the following is an abnormal finding upon palpation of the prostate gland through the rectum?

Accepted Answer

The normal prostate gland should feel smooth,elastic,and rubbery;is slightly movable;is heart-shaped with a palpable central groove;and is nontender to palpation.

Question 3

A 40-year-old black man is in the office for his annual physical.Which statement regarding the prostate-specific-antigen blood test (PSA)is true,according to the American Cancer Society?

Accepted Answer

According to the American Cancer Society (2006)the PSA blood test should be done annually for black men beginning at age 45 years,otherwise for men over age 50 years.

Question 4

While assessing a hospitalized,bedridden patient,the nurse notes that the patient has been incontinent of stool.The stool is loose and gray-tan in color.The nurse recognizes that this finding indicates which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The presence of gray,tan stool indicates absent bile pigment,which can occur with obstructive jaundice.

Question 5

The nurse is performing a digital examination of a patient's prostate gland and notes that characteristics of a normal prostate gland include: Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

The size should be 2.5 cm long by 4 cm wide,and it should not protrude more than 1 cm into the rectum.The shape should be heart-shaped,with a palpable central groove,with a smooth surface and elastic,rubbery consistency.

Question 6

During a discussion for a men's health group,the nurse relates that the group with the highest incidence of prostate cancer is:

Accepted Answer

According to the American Cancer Society (2006),black American males have a 50% higher rate of prostate cancer than other racial groups.

Question 7

The nurse notes that a patient has had a pale,yellow,greasy stool,or steatorrhea,and recalls that this is caused by:

Accepted Answer

Steatorrhea,pale,yellow,greasy stool,is caused by increased fat content in the stools,as in malabsorption syndrome.

Question 8

A 62-year-old man is experiencing fever,chills,malaise,and urinary frequency and urgency.He also reports urethral discharge and a dull aching pain in the perineal and rectal area.These symptoms are most consistent with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

The common presenting symptoms of prostatitis are fever,chills,malaise,and urinary frequency and urgency.The individual may also have dysuria,urethral discharge,and a dull aching pain in the perineal and rectal area.

Question 9

During a health history of a patient who complains of chronic constipation,she asks the nurse about high-fiber foods.The nurse relates that an example of a high-fiber food would be:

Accepted Answer

High-fiber foods are the soluble type (beans,prunes,barley,broccoli)and insoluble type (cereals,wheat germ).

Quiz 25: Anus,rectum,and Prostate