Exam 40: Bowel Elimination

The nurse is caring for an immobile patient who has abdominal pain and frequent small, liquid stools. The patient vomited his breakfast and is still nauseated. Which action by the nurse is the highest priority?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has just completed 2 weeks of IV antibiotics for a severe infection. The patient now has frequent loose watery stools and a low-grade temperature. What is the most likely cause of the patient's new symptoms?

The nurse is caring for a patient who had a colonoscopy earlier that day. The patient states that he still feels very bloated after the procedure. What is the best action of the nurse?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is to have testing for fecal occult blood. What step will the nurse perform during this testing?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is prescribed diphenoxylate-atropine (Lomotil). Which assessment finding by the nurse indicates a need to contact the prescriber and question the order?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is recovering from gastroenteritis. The nurse teaches the patient about dietary recommendations as the digestive system recovers. Which menu selection by the patient indicates that additional teaching is needed?

The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who had a colostomy placed 2 days ago. The appliance needs to be changed for the first time. Which ostomy care actions may the nurse delegate to the nursing assistant? (Select all that apply.)

The nurse is caring for a patient who takes laxatives and enemas regularly to ensure that he has a large daily bowel movement. The patient states that he feels constipated if he does not defecate every day. Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for this patient?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has had a severe stroke and requires assistance to use the toilet. Which goal is the highest priority for this patient?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is recovering from bowel surgery. Which assessment finding best indicates that the bowel is starting to resume function and the patient will be able to resume oral intake soon?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is taking narcotic pain medication after surgery. Which breakfast choices will help prevent constipation and promote return to regular bowel function?

The nurse is caring for a postoperative patient who underwent bowel resection surgery that morning. The nurse assesses the patient's abdomen and notes that there are hypoactive bowel sounds. The patient is resting quietly without nausea or vomiting. What is the appropriate action of the nurse?

The nurse is caring for a patient who will be having a colonoscopy the following morning. Which items must be removed from the patient's dinner tray since they are not allowed prior to the test? (Select all that apply.)

The nurse is caring for a patient who will be undergoing upper GI series testing the next day. Which instruction will the nurse provide to the patient about the upcoming exam?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is constipated and has not had a bowel movement for 3 days. The nurse performs a rectal examination and finds hard dry stool in the rectum. What is the best option to help the patient have a bowel movement?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is recovering after hip surgery. The patient requires assistance to use the bathroom because no weight bearing is allowed on the right leg. Which goal is most important for the nurse to include for the diagnosis of toileting self-care deficit?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has an ileostomy. Which nursing diagnosis has the highest priority for the patient?

A student nurse is working with a preceptor to administer an enema to the patient. Which action by the student prompts intervention and redirection by the preceptor?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has not had a bowel movement for 2 days. Which is the priority nursing intervention for this patient?

The nurse is caring for a patient with a history of dementia who is incontinent of stool because she cannot communicate the need to defecate. What is the priority action of the nurse?