Question 1

The patient has been admitted to an acute care unit with a diagnosis of obstructive jaundice.Which of the following best describes the appearance that the nurse should expect this patient's feces to have?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive jaundice occurs when there is a blockage in the bile ducts, preventing the normal flow of bile from the liver to the small intestine. Bile gives feces its normal brown colour. When bile is blocked, feces may appear white or clay-coloured due to the absence of bile pigment.

Question 2

Which of the following physiological changes is an age-related change in the gastrointestinal tract?

Accepted Answer

Aging can lead to decreased nutrient absorption due to changes in digestive enzymes, decreased intestinal motility, and decreased stomach acid secretion. This can contribute to malnutrition and other health problems in older adults. Increased salivation and acid secretion are not age-related changes in the gastrointestinal tract, and a decreased incidence of acid reflux is not necessarily a physiological change but rather a potential symptom of certain conditions.

Question 3

When planning nursing care to promote normal elimination,what is the best time for the nurse to assist an elderly patient to the bathroom?

Accepted Answer

The gastrocolic reflex, which stimulates bowel movement, is most active after eating, especially breakfast. Assisting the patient 15 minutes after breakfast takes advantage of this reflex.

Question 4

What is the recommended daily maximum fluid intake for a healthy adult?

Accepted Answer

The recommended daily maximum fluid intake for a healthy adult is 2000 mL or 2 liters. This includes water, other beverages, and food that contains water. This amount may vary depending on certain factors such as age, gender, activity level, climate, and health conditions. It is important to stay hydrated for proper bodily functions, but excessive fluid intake can lead to adverse effects such as electrolyte imbalances and swelling.

Question 5

The nurse is caring for patients on a postoperative unit in the medical centre.The nurse is alert to the possibility that for 24 to 48 hours of the postoperative period,patients may experience which of the following symptoms as a result of the anaesthetic used during the surgery?

Accepted Answer

Patients may experience paralytic ileus, which is a temporary cessation of bowel function due to the effects of anaesthesia on the bowel muscles. Colitis and stomatitis are not typically associated with anaesthesia, and the gastrocolic reflex refers to the movement of food from the stomach to the colon.

Question 6

Which of the following patients is at greatest risk for serious complications when using the Valsalva manoeuvre to expel feces?

Accepted Answer

The Valsalva manoeuvre can increase intraocular pressure, which is particularly risky for patients with glaucoma, as it can exacerbate the condition and lead to serious complications.

Question 7

The nurse is providing ancillary personnel with instructions regarding the proper methods to implement when caring for a patient with a Clostridium difficile infection.Which of the following practices will have the greatest impact on containment of the bacteria,and thus on prevention of cross-contamination?

Accepted Answer

Proper hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of C. difficile, as the bacteria can survive on surfaces for extended periods of time and can be easily transmitted by contaminated hands. While in-service programs and appropriate handling of contaminated linen are also important, they are not as impactful as ensuring all staff are consistently practicing proper hand hygiene. Stool cultures on all suspected carriers may be helpful for diagnosis and treatment but do not prevent transmission or cross-contamination.

Question 8

Which part of the small intestine is the longest,measuring about 3.7 m?

Accepted Answer

The ileum is the longest part of the small intestine, measuring about 3.7 meters in length.

Question 9

A 6-month-old infant has severe diarrhea.Which of the following is the major problem associated with severe diarrhea?

Accepted Answer

Severe diarrhea can result in significant electrolyte and fluid loss, leading to dehydration and other complications. While pain, excessive flatus, and irritation of the perineal and rectal area can be associated with diarrhea, electrolyte and fluid loss are the major concerns.

Question 10

To decrease diarrhea in patients with Clostridium difficile infection,which of the following medications does the nurse know the patient may be advised to take?

Accepted Answer

Probiotic acidophilus supplements can help to restore the balance of gut bacteria and decrease diarrhea in patients with Clostridium difficile infection. Antibiotics may be used to treat the infection, but they can also disrupt the normal gut flora and worsen diarrhea. Ibuprofen and iron supplements are not typically used to treat Clostridium difficile infection or diarrhea associated with it.

Question 11

Which of the following does the nurse instruct the patient that she may eat before the fecal occult blood test (FOBT)?

Accepted Answer

The patient can eat whole-wheat bread before the FOBT as it is not red meat or fish, which can give a false positive result on the test.

Question 12

While undergoing a soapsuds enema,the patient complains of abdominal cramping.Which of the following should be the nurse's first action?

Accepted Answer

Slowing the rate of infusion can help alleviate the cramping by reducing the pressure and allowing the patient to adjust to the enema.

Question 13

A patient has just had intestinal surgery with the creation of a colostomy.For the first few weeks,which of the following will the nutritional therapy for this patient include?

Accepted Answer

For the first few weeks after intestinal surgery with the creation of a colostomy, the patient's nutritional therapy should include easily digestible foods, with a low fiber content to reduce the risk of intestinal blockages. Poached eggs and rice are good options as they are low in fiber and easily digestible. Vegetables, fresh fruit, cauliflower, and broccoli are high in fiber and can be difficult to digest, so they should be avoided in the first few weeks post-surgery.

Question 14

A patient who was recently diagnosed with anemia and rheumatoid arthritis reports to the nurse that she has noticed her stool is black,and she is concerned because there is a history of colon cancer in her family.Which of the following assessment questions is most likely to provide information regarding this patient's bowel problem?

Accepted Answer

The black stool could be a side effect of iron supplements often prescribed for anemia, so asking about medications can provide relevant information.

Question 15

A patient is to have a stool test for occult blood.The nurse is instructing the nursing assistant in the correct procedure for the test.The nursing assistant is correctly informed when the nurse explains which one of the following?

Accepted Answer

A 2.5-cm sample of formed stool is needed for the test. The other options are incorrect as sterile technique is not required, a three-day collection is unnecessary, and the specimen does not need to be kept warm.

Question 16

What causes food to enter the stomach once it has reached the esophagus?

Accepted Answer

Peristaltic contractions in the esophagus push the food toward the stomach.

Question 17

The patient is taking medication to promote defecation.Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching plan for this patient?

Accepted Answer

Emollient laxatives, also known as stool softeners, work by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making it easier to pass. Therefore, it is important to inform the patient that these medications may increase the amount of water secreted into the bowel. Increased laxative use may cause hypokalemia, not hyperkalemia (Option A). Salt tablets should not be taken without a healthcare provider's recommendation, as excessive salt intake can lead to hypernatremia (Option B). Bulk-forming additives do not affect urine color (Option D).

Question 18

The patient is to receive a sodium polystyrene sulphonate (Kayexalate)enema.For which of the following purposes does the nurse recognize this is used?

Accepted Answer

Sodium polystyrene sulphonate (Kayexalate) is used to remove excess potassium from the system. It works by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the large intestine, which is then excreted in the feces. It is commonly used in the treatment of hyperkalemia.

Question 19

Which of the following is the appropriate amount of fluid to prepare for a cleansing enema to be given to an adult patient?

Accepted Answer

The appropriate amount of fluid to prepare for a cleansing enema for an adult patient is 750 to 1000 mL. This amount of fluid will effectively clean the bowel and promote bowel movements. The other options are too low to have a cleansing effect on the bowel.

Question 20

The patient is seen in the gastroenterology clinic after having experienced changes in his bowel elimination.A colonoscopy is ordered,and the patient has questions about the examination.What information should the nurse give the patient before the colonoscopy?

Accepted Answer

The patient should be informed that light sedation is typically used during a colonoscopy to help them relax and minimize any discomfort. They should also be advised to follow a special diet and bowel preparation regimen prior to the exam, which may include drinking an opaque liquid to help clean out their colon. Additionally, they should be advised to leave all metallic objects at home or in a locker provided by the clinic since they may interfere with the procedure or cause injury.

Quiz 44: Bowel Elimination