NR 226: Bowel Elimination & Ostomy Care - Comprehensive Quiz 2026
|Chamberlain
1. What is the correct sequence for performing an abdominal assessment?
A. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
B. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
D. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
Answer: A
Rationale: The correct order is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation.
Palpation and percussion are done last because they can stimulate peristalsis and alter
bowel sounds.
2. Which part of the gastrointestinal tract is primarily responsible for water
absorption?
A. Stomach
B. Duodenum
C. Large Intestine
D. Jejunum
Answer: C
Rationale: The large intestine (colon) is the primary site for water and electrolyte
absorption, turning liquid chyme into formed stool.
,3. A patient has a new ileostomy. What type of stool output should the nurse
expect?
A. Formed and dry
B. Soft and pasty
C. Liquid to semi-liquid
D. Hard and lumpy
Answer: C
Rationale: Because an ileostomy bypasses the large intestine where water is absorbed, the
drainage is typically liquid to semi-liquid and continuous.
4. What is a common complication of digital removal of a fecal impaction?
A. Hypertension
B. Tachycardia
C. Bradycardia
D. Hyperventilation
Answer: C
Rationale: Digital stimulation of the rectum can stimulate the vagus nerve, which may
result in a reflex slowing of the heart rate (bradycardia).
5. Which position is most appropriate for a patient receiving a cleansing enema?
A. Right lateral Sims position
B. Left lateral Sims position
C. High-Fowler’s position
D. Supine position
Answer: B
Rationale: The left lateral Sims position allows the enema solution to flow by gravity into
the sigmoid colon and rectum.
, 6. What does a ‘guaiac’ fecal occult blood test (FOBT) primarily screen for?
A. Microscopic blood
B. Parasites
C. Fat content
D. Bacterial infection
Answer: A
Rationale: The guaiac test is used to detect ‘occult’ or hidden blood in the stool, which can
be a sign of polyps or colorectal cancer.
7. A patient reports passing small amounts of liquid stool but feeling a constant
urge to defecate. What should the nurse suspect?
A. Diarrhea
B. Flatulence
C. Fecal impaction
D. Hemorrhoids
Answer: C
Rationale: Seepage of liquid stool around a hard, impacted mass is a classic sign of fecal
impaction.
8. Which of the following foods is known to help increase bulk in the diet?
A. Whole grain cereal
B. White bread
C. Cheese
D. Lean beef
Answer: A
Rationale: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are high in fiber, which adds bulk to the
stool and promotes regular bowel movements.
|Chamberlain
1. What is the correct sequence for performing an abdominal assessment?
A. Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation
B. Auscultation, Inspection, Palpation, Percussion
C. Inspection, Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation
D. Palpation, Percussion, Auscultation, Inspection
Answer: A
Rationale: The correct order is inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation.
Palpation and percussion are done last because they can stimulate peristalsis and alter
bowel sounds.
2. Which part of the gastrointestinal tract is primarily responsible for water
absorption?
A. Stomach
B. Duodenum
C. Large Intestine
D. Jejunum
Answer: C
Rationale: The large intestine (colon) is the primary site for water and electrolyte
absorption, turning liquid chyme into formed stool.
,3. A patient has a new ileostomy. What type of stool output should the nurse
expect?
A. Formed and dry
B. Soft and pasty
C. Liquid to semi-liquid
D. Hard and lumpy
Answer: C
Rationale: Because an ileostomy bypasses the large intestine where water is absorbed, the
drainage is typically liquid to semi-liquid and continuous.
4. What is a common complication of digital removal of a fecal impaction?
A. Hypertension
B. Tachycardia
C. Bradycardia
D. Hyperventilation
Answer: C
Rationale: Digital stimulation of the rectum can stimulate the vagus nerve, which may
result in a reflex slowing of the heart rate (bradycardia).
5. Which position is most appropriate for a patient receiving a cleansing enema?
A. Right lateral Sims position
B. Left lateral Sims position
C. High-Fowler’s position
D. Supine position
Answer: B
Rationale: The left lateral Sims position allows the enema solution to flow by gravity into
the sigmoid colon and rectum.
, 6. What does a ‘guaiac’ fecal occult blood test (FOBT) primarily screen for?
A. Microscopic blood
B. Parasites
C. Fat content
D. Bacterial infection
Answer: A
Rationale: The guaiac test is used to detect ‘occult’ or hidden blood in the stool, which can
be a sign of polyps or colorectal cancer.
7. A patient reports passing small amounts of liquid stool but feeling a constant
urge to defecate. What should the nurse suspect?
A. Diarrhea
B. Flatulence
C. Fecal impaction
D. Hemorrhoids
Answer: C
Rationale: Seepage of liquid stool around a hard, impacted mass is a classic sign of fecal
impaction.
8. Which of the following foods is known to help increase bulk in the diet?
A. Whole grain cereal
B. White bread
C. Cheese
D. Lean beef
Answer: A
Rationale: Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are high in fiber, which adds bulk to the
stool and promotes regular bowel movements.
