WEB WOC Continence Care Quiz
The internal anal sphincter is:
Select one:
a. A continuation of the longitudinal muscles.
b. Stimulated to contract by rectal filling.
c. Reflexively relaxes by rectal filling. [ANSWER]
d. Under volitional control.
The reflex that allows an individual to differentiate among stool, liquid and gas is known as the:
Select one:
a. Gastrocolic reflex.
b. Sampling reflex. [ANSWER]
c. Rectoanal inhibitory reflex.
d. Wink reflex.
During your initial assessment, Mr. Gutter complains of loss of gas and occasional liquid stool.
You know this is evidence of what type of fecal incontinence and sphincter problems?
Select one:
a. Passive incontinence & internal anal sphincter damage.
b. Flatus incontinence & internal anal sphincter damage. [ANSWER]
c. Urge incontinence & external anal sphincter damage.
d. Transient incontinence & external anal sphincter damage.
Upon initial assessment of the patient with bowel dysfunction or incontinence, which of the
following findings would initiate a referral for further evaluation?
Select one:
a. Unintentional weight loss. [ANSWER]
b. Rectum full of firm stool.
c. Severe incontinence associated dermatitis.
d. Chronic use of laxatives.
Bowel motility can be NEGATIVELY affected by:
Select one:
a. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy and Parkinson's Disease [ANSWER]
, b. Cerebral palsy and melanosis coli.
c. Scleroderma and obesity.
d. Pregnancy and hyponatremia.
An essential assessment during the initial outpatient clinic evaluation of a patient experiencing
diarrhea and fecal incontinence is to:
Select one:
a. Recommend a containment device.
b. Request a stool sample to check for microbial imbalances.
c. Obtain a 7 to 14-day bowel and dietary diary. [ANSWER]
d. Refer to primary care for further evaluation.
During your initial interview, a patient reports his typical stool consistency to be pellet-like and
hard. This finding suggests the patient may have:
Select one:
a. Slow colonic transit. [ANSWER]
b. Ineffective absorption of fluid by the bowel wall.
c. Excessive intake of dietary fiber.
d. Ineffective internal sphincter control.
An 85-year-old female with advanced dementia and no history of bowel dysfunction is at risk for
fecal incontinence PRIMARILY because dementia will impair:
Select one:
a. The sampling reflex.
b. Her ability to respond to the sensations of rectal fullness. [ANSWER]
c. The ability of the internal sphincter to relax.
d. Colonic transit time.
The FIRST step in developing an effective comprehensive management plan for a 5-year-old
with retentive encopresis is to:
Select one:
a. Conduct radiographic defecography.
b. Clean out the gut with daily Dulcolax tablets.
c. Establish rapport with the parents and provide intensive education and counseling.
[ANSWER]
d. Institute extensive dietary modifications.
The internal anal sphincter is:
Select one:
a. A continuation of the longitudinal muscles.
b. Stimulated to contract by rectal filling.
c. Reflexively relaxes by rectal filling. [ANSWER]
d. Under volitional control.
The reflex that allows an individual to differentiate among stool, liquid and gas is known as the:
Select one:
a. Gastrocolic reflex.
b. Sampling reflex. [ANSWER]
c. Rectoanal inhibitory reflex.
d. Wink reflex.
During your initial assessment, Mr. Gutter complains of loss of gas and occasional liquid stool.
You know this is evidence of what type of fecal incontinence and sphincter problems?
Select one:
a. Passive incontinence & internal anal sphincter damage.
b. Flatus incontinence & internal anal sphincter damage. [ANSWER]
c. Urge incontinence & external anal sphincter damage.
d. Transient incontinence & external anal sphincter damage.
Upon initial assessment of the patient with bowel dysfunction or incontinence, which of the
following findings would initiate a referral for further evaluation?
Select one:
a. Unintentional weight loss. [ANSWER]
b. Rectum full of firm stool.
c. Severe incontinence associated dermatitis.
d. Chronic use of laxatives.
Bowel motility can be NEGATIVELY affected by:
Select one:
a. Diabetic autonomic neuropathy and Parkinson's Disease [ANSWER]
, b. Cerebral palsy and melanosis coli.
c. Scleroderma and obesity.
d. Pregnancy and hyponatremia.
An essential assessment during the initial outpatient clinic evaluation of a patient experiencing
diarrhea and fecal incontinence is to:
Select one:
a. Recommend a containment device.
b. Request a stool sample to check for microbial imbalances.
c. Obtain a 7 to 14-day bowel and dietary diary. [ANSWER]
d. Refer to primary care for further evaluation.
During your initial interview, a patient reports his typical stool consistency to be pellet-like and
hard. This finding suggests the patient may have:
Select one:
a. Slow colonic transit. [ANSWER]
b. Ineffective absorption of fluid by the bowel wall.
c. Excessive intake of dietary fiber.
d. Ineffective internal sphincter control.
An 85-year-old female with advanced dementia and no history of bowel dysfunction is at risk for
fecal incontinence PRIMARILY because dementia will impair:
Select one:
a. The sampling reflex.
b. Her ability to respond to the sensations of rectal fullness. [ANSWER]
c. The ability of the internal sphincter to relax.
d. Colonic transit time.
The FIRST step in developing an effective comprehensive management plan for a 5-year-old
with retentive encopresis is to:
Select one:
a. Conduct radiographic defecography.
b. Clean out the gut with daily Dulcolax tablets.
c. Establish rapport with the parents and provide intensive education and counseling.
[ANSWER]
d. Institute extensive dietary modifications.
