C HAPTER 18: A BDOMEN
Ball: Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination, 9th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Mrs. James is 7 months’ pregnant and states that she has developed a problem
with constipation. She eats a well-balanced diet and is usually regular. You
should explain that constipation is common during pregnancy because of changes
in the colorectal areas, such as:
a. decreased movement through the colon and increased water absorption
from the stool.
b. increased movement through the colon and increased salt taken from
foods.
c. looser anal sphincter and fewer nutrients taken from foods.
d. tighter anal sphincter and less iron eliminated in the stool.
ANS: A
Constipation and flatus are more common during pregnancy because the colon
is displaced, peristalsis is decreased, and water absorption is incre ased.
Movement through the colon is decreased during pregnancy. The colon does
not absorb nutrients. A tighter sphincter tone is not related to pregnancy.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying (Application) OBJ: Nursing process—
assessment MSC: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
, 2. The family history of a patient with diarrhea and abdominal pain should include
inquiry about cystic fibrosis because it is:
a. a common genetic disorder.
b. one cause of malabsorption syndrome.
c. a curable condition with medical intervention.
d. the most frequent cause of diarrhea in general practice.
ANS: B
Cystic fibrosis is an uncommon, chronic genetic disorder affecting multiple
systems. In the gastrointestinal tract, it causes malabsorption syndrome
because of pancreatic lipase deficiency. Steatorrhea and abdominal pain from
increased gas production are frequent complaints.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying (Application) OBJ: Nursing process—
assessment MSC: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
3. When assessing abdominal pain in a college-age woman, one must include:
a. history of interstate travel.
b. food likes and dislikes.
c. age at completion of toilet training.
d. the first day of the last menstrual period.
ANS: D
Exploring abdominal pain complaints in a young woman can reveal multiple
causes related to the menstrual cycle, including menstrual pain, ovulation
discomfort, and abnormal menses.
Ball: Seidel’s Guide to Physical Examination, 9th Edition
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Mrs. James is 7 months’ pregnant and states that she has developed a problem
with constipation. She eats a well-balanced diet and is usually regular. You
should explain that constipation is common during pregnancy because of changes
in the colorectal areas, such as:
a. decreased movement through the colon and increased water absorption
from the stool.
b. increased movement through the colon and increased salt taken from
foods.
c. looser anal sphincter and fewer nutrients taken from foods.
d. tighter anal sphincter and less iron eliminated in the stool.
ANS: A
Constipation and flatus are more common during pregnancy because the colon
is displaced, peristalsis is decreased, and water absorption is incre ased.
Movement through the colon is decreased during pregnancy. The colon does
not absorb nutrients. A tighter sphincter tone is not related to pregnancy.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying (Application) OBJ: Nursing process—
assessment MSC: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
, 2. The family history of a patient with diarrhea and abdominal pain should include
inquiry about cystic fibrosis because it is:
a. a common genetic disorder.
b. one cause of malabsorption syndrome.
c. a curable condition with medical intervention.
d. the most frequent cause of diarrhea in general practice.
ANS: B
Cystic fibrosis is an uncommon, chronic genetic disorder affecting multiple
systems. In the gastrointestinal tract, it causes malabsorption syndrome
because of pancreatic lipase deficiency. Steatorrhea and abdominal pain from
increased gas production are frequent complaints.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Applying (Application) OBJ: Nursing process—
assessment MSC: Physiologic Integrity: Physiologic Adaptation
3. When assessing abdominal pain in a college-age woman, one must include:
a. history of interstate travel.
b. food likes and dislikes.
c. age at completion of toilet training.
d. the first day of the last menstrual period.
ANS: D
Exploring abdominal pain complaints in a young woman can reveal multiple
causes related to the menstrual cycle, including menstrual pain, ovulation
discomfort, and abnormal menses.
