Chapter 51

The nurse is caring for a client with a large bowel obstruction due to fecal impaction. What position would be appropriate for the client while in bed?

• Prone

• Supine

• Recumbent

• Semi-Fowler

A nurse cares for a client who had a colostomy placed in the ascending colon 2 weeks ago. The client states, “The stool in my pouch is still liquid.” How would the nurse respond?

• “The stool will always be liquid with this type of colostomy.”

• “Eating additional fiber will bulk up your stool and decrease diarrhea.”

• “Your stool will become firmer over the next couple of weeks.”

• “This is abnormal. I will contact your primary health care provider.”

A client is preparing to have a fecal occult blood test (FOBT). What health teaching would the nurse include prior to the test?

• “This test will determine whether you have colorectal cancer.”

• “You need to avoid red meat and NSAIDs for 48 hours before the test.”

• “You don’t need to have this test because you can have a virtual colonoscopy.”

• “This test can determine your genetic risk for developing colorectal cancer.”

A client is admitted with a diagnosis of possible strangulated inguinal hernia. For which complication would the nurse monitor?

• Paralytic ileus

• Bowel volvulus

• Sepsis

• Colitis

The nurse is caring for a client who has a nasogastric tube (NGT). Which actions would the nurse take for client care? (Select all that apply.)

• Assess for proper placement of the tube every 4 hours or per agency policy.

• Flush the tube with water every hour to ensure patency.

• Secure the NG tube to the client’s chin.

• Disconnect suction when auscultating bowel peristalsis.

• Monitor the client’s skin around the tube site for irritation.

Which is longer, small or large bowel?

• Small

• Large

Name the three parts of the small bowel.

Name two risk factors for colorectal cancer.

If no family history of colon cancer, how often should you get a colonoscopy?

• Every Year

• Every 5 years

• Every 10 years

• If no history, I don't need one

What is the difference between a mechanical and nonmechanical obstruction?