Question 1

A patient with a skin infection is prescribed cephalexin (an antibiotic)500 mg orally q 12 hours.The patient complains that the last time he took this medication,he had frequent episodes of loose stools.Which recommendation should the nurse make to the patient?

Accepted Answer

A)  Stop taking the drug immediately if diarrhea develops. 
B)  Take an antidiarrheal agent, such as diphenoxylate. 
C)  Consume yogurt daily while taking the antibiotic. 
D)  Increase your intake of fiber until the diarrhea stops.

Question 2

The enterostomal nurse is conducting a teaching session for patients with new colostomies.Today's topic is self-assessment and signs and symptoms that must be immediately reported to the surgeon.Which sign/symptom should the nurse include in this teaching?

Accepted Answer

A)  Constipation 
B)  Skin breakdown 
C)  A stoma that is deep pink to red in color 
D)  A stoma that is pale, dusky, or black in color

Question 3

The nurse is instructing a patient about performing home testing for fecal occult blood.The nurse should explain that ingestion of which substance may cause a false-negative fecal occult blood test?

Accepted Answer

A)  Vitamin D 
B)  Iron 
C)  Vitamin C 
D)  Thiamine

Question 4

A day after abdominal surgery,a postoperative patient on a surgical unit says to the nurse,"I'm having a problem with a lot of gas.Maybe it's the food I'm eating." What is the appropriate response by the nurse? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A)  "If the problem continues after you go home, you'll need to avoid gas-producing foods such as beans." 
B)  "Let's get you out of bed and walking more. This can help with your gas." 
C)  "When was your last bowel movement? You may be a bit constipated." 
D)  "I understand. I'll have to call the doctor for an insertion of a rectal tube."

Question 5

A patient is diagnosed with an intestinal infection after traveling abroad.The nurse should encourage the intake of which food to promote healing?

Accepted Answer

A)  Yogurt 
B)  Pasta 
C)  Oatmeal 
D)  Broccoli

Question 6

The nurse is preparing a patient for an invasive diagnostic test that will provide direct visualization of the rectum,entire large intestine,and distal small bowel.The nurse should teach and give the patient written instructions about which of the following tests?

Accepted Answer

A)  Barium enema 
B)  Ultrasound of the abdomen 
C)  Sigmoidoscopy 
D)  Colonoscopy

Question 7

A patient has a colostomy in the descending (sigmoid)colon and wants to control bowel evacuation and possibly stop wearing an ostomy pouch.To help achieve this goal,the nurse should teach the patient to:

Accepted Answer

A)  Call the primary care provider if the stoma becomes pale, dusky, or black 
B)  Limit the intake of gas-forming foods such as cabbage, onions, and fish 
C)  Irrigate the stoma to produce a bowel movement on a schedule 
D)  Avoid returning to the use of an ostomy appliance if he becomes ill

Question 8

Which action should the nurse take to assess a 2-year-old child for pinworms?

Accepted Answer

A)  Press clear cellophane tape against the anal opening at night to obtain a specimen. 
B)  Collect a freshly passed stool from a diaper using a wooden specimen blade. 
C)  Place a smear of stool on a slide and add two drops of reagent. 
D)  Prepare the patient for a flat plate (x-ray) of the abdomen.

Question 9

Considering normal developmental and physical maturation in children,for which age would a goal of "Achieves bowel control by the end of this month" be most realistic?

Accepted Answer

A)  18 months 
B)  3 years 
C)  4 years 
D)  5 years

Question 10

A nurse is teaching wellness to a women's group.The nurse should explain the importance of consuming at least how much fluid to promote healthy bowel function (assume these are 8-ounce glasses)?

Accepted Answer

A)  3 to 4 glasses a day 
B)  5 to 6 glasses a day 
C)  7 to 8 glasses a day 
D)  9 to 10 glasses a day

Question 11

A patient with severe hemorrhoids is incontinent of liquid stool.Which of the following interventions is contraindicated?

Accepted Answer

A)  Apply an indwelling fecal drainage device. 
B)  Apply an external fecal collection device. 
C)  Place an incontinence garment on the patient. 
D)  Place a waterproof pad under the patient's buttocks.

Question 12

The nurse is seeing a patient at home with a new colostomy.In formulating the plan of care,what is the priority long-term goal for this patient? The patient will:

Accepted Answer

A)  Adjust emotionally to the colostomy and lifestyle change 
B)  Verbalize appropriate steps in caring for his colostomy 
C)  Assume self-care in colostomy management 
D)  Experience soft stool with minimal flatus

Question 13

A patient has a history of chronic constipation.Which of the following medications prescribed for the patient would alert the nurse to be especially vigilant in observing for constipation and teach the client about preventive measures? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A)  NSAIDs 
B)  Iron 
C)  Antibiotics 
D)  Pain medications

Question 14

A patient who has been immobile since sustaining injuries in a motor vehicle accident complains of constipation.The nurse encourages him to consume 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of fluid daily.Which fluids should the patient avoid because of the diuretic effect? Select all that apply.

Accepted Answer

A)  Cranberry juice 
B)  Water 
C)  Coffee 
D)  Ginger ale 
E)  Tea

Question 15

The nurse is obtaining a bowel elimination history from her 80-year-old patient.The patient states,"Sometimes when I go to the bathroom I push real hard,hold my breath,and plug my nose." Which action should the nurse take first?

Accepted Answer

A)  Warn the patient, "You should not hold your breath while straining." 
B)  Assure the patient, "This does seem to help some people to have a bowel movement." 
C)  Check the patient's medical history for heart disease, glaucoma, increased intracranial pressure, or a new surgical wound. 
D)  Notify the primary care provider that the patient has reported performing this action.

Exam 29: Bowel Elimination

A patient with a skin infection is prescribed cephalexin (an antibiotic) 500 mg orally q 12 hours.The patient complains that the last time he took this medication,he had frequent episodes of loose stools.Which recommendation should the nurse make to the patient?