Fecal Elimination Review Questions

Based on knowledge of the physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, what type of stools would the nurse assess in a patient with an illness that causes the stool to pass through the large intestine quickly?

• hard, formed
• black, tarry
• soft, watery
• dry, odorous

A hospitalized toddler, previously bowel trained, has been having incontinent stools. What would the nurse tell the parents about this behavior?

• “When he does this, scold him and he will quit.”
• “I don't understand why this child is losing control.”
• “This is normal when a child this age is hospitalized.”
• “I will have to call the doctor and report this behavior.”

A patient is having difficulty having a bowel movement on the bedpan. What is the physiologic reason for this problem?

• It is painful to sit on a bedpan.
• The position does not facilitate downward pressure.
• The position encourages the Valsalva maneuver.
• The cause is unknown and requires further study.

A young woman comes to the Emergency Department with severe abdominal cramping and frequent bloody stools. Food poisoning is suspected. What diagnostic test would be used to confirm this diagnosis?

• routine urinalysis
• chest x-ray
• stool sample
• sputum sample

A nurse is assessing a patient the first day after colon surgery. Based on knowledge of the effects of anesthesia and manipulation of the bowel during surgery, what focused assessment will be included?

• bowel sounds
• skin turgor
• pulse character
• urinary output

A nurse is conducting an abdominal assessment. What is the rationale for palpating the abdomen last when conducting an abdominal assessment?

• it is the most painful assessment method
• it is the most embarrassing assessment method
• to allow time for the examiner's hands to warm
• it disturbs normal peristalsis and bowel motility

A nurse is scheduling ordered diagnostic studies for a patient. Which of the following tests would be performed first?

• fecal occult blood test
• barium study
• endoscopic exam
• upper gastrointestinal series

A patient has had frequent watery stools (diarrhea) for an extended period of time. The patient also has decreased skin turgor and dark urine. Based on these data, which of the following nursing diagnoses would be appropriate?

• Imbalanced Nutrition: Less than Body Requirements
• Deficient Fluid Volume
• Impaired Tissue Integrity
• Impaired Urinary Elimination

A patient is on bedrest, and an enema has been ordered. In what position should the nurse position the patient?

• Fowler's
• Sims
• Prone
• Sitting

A patient is having liquid fecal seepage. He has not had a bowel movement for 6 days. Based on the data, what would the nurse assess?

• amount of intake and output
• color and amount of urine
• color of the feces
• consistency of the feces