Additional Practice Questions: NR 226 Bowel Elimination & Ostomy Care
Topic 1: Anatomy & Physiology of Bowel Elimination
Q1: Which sphincter muscle is under voluntary control and allows a person to delay defecation?
A) Internal anal sphincter
B) External anal sphincter
C) Ileocecal valve
D) Pyloric sphincter
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The external anal sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle and is under voluntary control.
The internal anal sphincter (A) is smooth muscle and involuntary. The ileocecal valve (C) prevents
backflow from the large intestine into the ileum. The pyloric sphincter (D) controls stomach emptying
into the duodenum.
Q2: The gastrocolic reflex is most active:
A) During sleep
B) After eating
C) During exercise
D) When fasting
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The gastrocolic reflex is stimulated by food entering the stomach, causing increased
peristalsis in the colon and the urge to defecate. This is why bowel retraining schedules toileting 30
minutes after meals (Q19 in original).
Q3: Which segment of the colon is primarily responsible for storing feces before elimination?
A) Ascending colon
, B) Transverse colon
C) Descending colon
D) Sigmoid colon and rectum
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The sigmoid colon and rectum serve as the primary reservoir for feces. The ascending colon
(A) absorbs water and electrolytes; the transverse colon (B) continues absorption; the descending colon
(C) stores stool but the sigmoid and rectum are the main holding areas.
Topic 2: Diagnostic Tests & Preparation
Q4: A patient is scheduled for a colonoscopy. Which nursing instruction is correct regarding bowel
preparation?
A) "You may eat a light breakfast the morning of the procedure."
B) "Drink only clear liquids for 24 hours before the procedure and take the prescribed laxative."
C) "Take an iron supplement to prevent anemia."
D) "You do not need to restrict fluids."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Colonoscopy requires a clear colon. Patients follow a clear liquid diet and take prescribed
bowel prep (typically polyethylene glycol solution) to empty the colon. Iron supplements (C) are stopped
before the procedure as they darken stool and interfere with visualization. Solid foods (A) are
contraindicated.
Q5: A patient is preparing for a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) using the guaiac method. The nurse should
instruct the patient to avoid which foods/medications for 72 hours before testing?
A) Red meat, aspirin, and vitamin C
B) Chicken, acetaminophen, and dairy
C) Fish, ibuprofen, and iron supplements
D) Pork, antacids, and multivitamins
Correct Answer: A
Topic 1: Anatomy & Physiology of Bowel Elimination
Q1: Which sphincter muscle is under voluntary control and allows a person to delay defecation?
A) Internal anal sphincter
B) External anal sphincter
C) Ileocecal valve
D) Pyloric sphincter
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The external anal sphincter is composed of skeletal muscle and is under voluntary control.
The internal anal sphincter (A) is smooth muscle and involuntary. The ileocecal valve (C) prevents
backflow from the large intestine into the ileum. The pyloric sphincter (D) controls stomach emptying
into the duodenum.
Q2: The gastrocolic reflex is most active:
A) During sleep
B) After eating
C) During exercise
D) When fasting
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The gastrocolic reflex is stimulated by food entering the stomach, causing increased
peristalsis in the colon and the urge to defecate. This is why bowel retraining schedules toileting 30
minutes after meals (Q19 in original).
Q3: Which segment of the colon is primarily responsible for storing feces before elimination?
A) Ascending colon
, B) Transverse colon
C) Descending colon
D) Sigmoid colon and rectum
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The sigmoid colon and rectum serve as the primary reservoir for feces. The ascending colon
(A) absorbs water and electrolytes; the transverse colon (B) continues absorption; the descending colon
(C) stores stool but the sigmoid and rectum are the main holding areas.
Topic 2: Diagnostic Tests & Preparation
Q4: A patient is scheduled for a colonoscopy. Which nursing instruction is correct regarding bowel
preparation?
A) "You may eat a light breakfast the morning of the procedure."
B) "Drink only clear liquids for 24 hours before the procedure and take the prescribed laxative."
C) "Take an iron supplement to prevent anemia."
D) "You do not need to restrict fluids."
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Colonoscopy requires a clear colon. Patients follow a clear liquid diet and take prescribed
bowel prep (typically polyethylene glycol solution) to empty the colon. Iron supplements (C) are stopped
before the procedure as they darken stool and interfere with visualization. Solid foods (A) are
contraindicated.
Q5: A patient is preparing for a fecal occult blood test (FOBT) using the guaiac method. The nurse should
instruct the patient to avoid which foods/medications for 72 hours before testing?
A) Red meat, aspirin, and vitamin C
B) Chicken, acetaminophen, and dairy
C) Fish, ibuprofen, and iron supplements
D) Pork, antacids, and multivitamins
Correct Answer: A
