Question 1

A nurse is caring for a patient who had bowel surgery 3 days ago and is now beginning to have a well-functioning ostomy. The ostomy drainage bag should be emptied whenever it is:

Accepted Answer

A)   one fourth full.
B)   one half full.
C)   three fourths full.
D)   full. B

Question 2

The gastrocolic reflex initiates ________.

Accepted Answer

peristalsis
Peristalsis is initiated by the gastrocolic reflex, which creates the urge to defecate.

Question 3

The nurse caring for a patient who had a colostomy 2 days ago assesses slight bleeding around the stoma when the area is cleansed, colostomy bag filled with gas, pale stoma, and a reddened area under the adhesive of the appliance. The assessment that should be reported immediately is the assessment pertaining to the:

Accepted Answer

A)   skin irritation.
B)   bleeding around the stoma.
C)   amount of gas in the bag.
D)   pale stoma. D

Question 4

A patient with a new colostomy should have the hole in the faceplate cut to allow _____ inch around the stoma.

Accepted Answer

A)   1 1/4
B)   1
C)   1/2
D)   1/4

Question 5

The nurse is caring for an anxious patient who is scheduled for surgery for colostomy placement. While the nurse is talking to the patient, the patient states, "I am so scared." The nurse's most supportive response would be:

Accepted Answer

A)   "Surgeries like yours are very safe."
B)   "What about your colostomy scares you?"
C)   "Why are you scared?"
D)   "Sounds like someone has been telling you horror stories."

Question 6

An older adult resident in a long-term care facility has experienced constant diarrhea for 3 days and is now exhibiting signs and symptoms of dehydration. The nurse initiates an intervention to offer small amounts of ________ frequently.

Accepted Answer

A)   a cola beverage
B)   ginger ale
C)   Gatorade
D)   Kool-Aid

Question 7

A nurse is monitoring bowel elimination of a patient who has a history of constipation. The nurse implements measures to assist with bowel elimination if the patient has not had a bowel movement within how many days?

Accepted Answer

A)   5
B)   3
C)   2
D)   1

Question 8

A patient has just completed a series of upper gastrointestinal tract radiographs that involved the use of barium as a contrast agent. Which measure will this patient need to help excrete the barium?

Accepted Answer

A)   Diuretics and fluid restriction to 1.5 L
B)   Diuretics and fluid intake increased to 3.5 L
C)   Laxatives and fluid restriction to 1.5 L
D)   Laxatives and fluid intake increased to 3.5 L

Question 9

The nurse points out that age-related changes in the intestinal tract are relatively insignificant. The changes include: (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   atrophy of the villi in the small intestine.
B)   increased incidence of hemorrhoids.
C)   decreased absorption of fats and vitamin B12.
D)   creation of excessive flatus.
E)   decreased motility in the large intestine.

Question 10

A nurse is preparing a cleansing enema for an adult patient who is constipated and has not responded to laxative use. Before giving the enema, the nurse should:

Accepted Answer

A)   cool the solution to 70° F.
B)   warm the solution in the microwave.
C)   keep the solution at room temperature.
D)   warm the solution to 105° F.

Question 11

A nurse has performed abdominal assessments on four patients. After reviewing the findings, the nurse is least concerned about problems with bowel elimination for the patient with:

Accepted Answer

A)   abdomen nondistended, firm, with hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants.
B)   abdomen nondistended, soft, with active bowel sounds in all four quadrants.
C)   abdomen distended, firm, with hypoactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants.
D)   abdomen distended, soft, with hyperactive bowel sounds in all four quadrants.

Question 12

The nurse instructs a patient with a new colostomy against eating food that may cause an obstruction. These foods include: (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   spicy foods.
B)   whole kernel corn.
C)   cucumbers.
D)   tomatoes.
E)   shrimp.

Question 13

A patient calls the nurse at the health clinic and reports that since his trip to Mexico, he has been experiencing diarrhea. The nurse suggests he try the antidiarrheal drug:

Accepted Answer

A)   docusate sodium (Colace) .
B)   loperamide (Imodium) .
C)   polycarbophil (FiberCon) .
D)   senna (Senokot) .

Question 14

The nurse has documented that a patient has had two episodes of steatorrhea, which means that the character of the stool is:

Accepted Answer

A)   hard and clay colored.
B)   frothy and foul smelling.
C)   very liquid and streaked with blood.
D)   soft and filled with mucus.

Question 15

A patient with a colostomy asks about foods that can be eaten that will reduce odor in the ostomy drainage bag. The most informative response by the nurse is to say that ostomy odor can be decreased with the intake of:

Accepted Answer

A)   buttermilk.
B)   eggs.
C)   cucumbers.
D)   beans.

Question 16

The nurse reminds a group of older adults that a colonoscopy is recommended every _______ year(s) after the age of 50.

Accepted Answer

The answer of The nurse reminds a group of older...

Question 17

The nurse instructs the patient who has had an ileostomy to modify the diet to include: (Select all that apply.)

Accepted Answer

A)   increase the protein intake.
B)   choose foods that are high in calories.
C)   select foods that have a milk base.
D)   eat raw vegetables and fruits.
E)   include whole grain products in diet daily.

Question 18

An ambulatory clinic patient telephones to report diarrhea and to ask for advice on medication to manage it. The best response by the nurse is, "Do not use antidiarrheal medication for longer than:

Accepted Answer

A)   24 hours without calling back for an appointment."
B)   48 hours without calling back for an appointment."
C)   72 hours without calling back for an appointment."
D)   96 hours without calling back for an appointment."

Question 19

An older adult patient who routinely takes the bulk forming laxative psyllium (Metamucil) is counseled by the home health nurse that in order to prevent constipation and possible fecal impaction, this patient should be sure to take:

Accepted Answer

A)   extra vitamin C.
B)   a fat-soluble vitamin.
C)   the medication with a large amount of fluid.
D)   an over the counter antacid.

Question 20

A patient who is badly constipated has just received an oil retention enema. The nurse encourages this patient to try to hold the enema for at least how long before trying to have a bowel movement?

Accepted Answer

A)   10 minutes
B)   15 minutes
C)   20 minutes
D)   40 minutes

Exam 30: Promoting Bowel Elimination