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NU 136 EXAM 2 LATEST VERSION — ACTUAL EXAM [
QUESTION 1- 200] AND ANSWERS UPDATED 2026/2027|
100% VERIFIED|DETAILED RATIONALES –PASS
GUARANTEED A+ GRADED |INSTANT DOWNLOAD
Question 1
A 58-year-old patient reports intermittent abdominal discomfort and constipation for several
weeks. Which assessment question should the nurse ask first to obtain the most useful
information about the patient's bowel pattern?
A) “How much water do you drink each day?”
B) “When was your last normal bowel movement?”
C) “Do you prefer taking medication in the morning?”
D) “Have you ever had abdominal surgery?”
Rationale: The correct answer is B because determining the timing and characteristics of the
last normal bowel movement establishes the immediate bowel-elimination status. Option A is
relevant but should follow a basic elimination assessment. Option C does not directly assess the
presenting concern. Option D may be clinically relevant but is less immediately useful than
establishing the current bowel pattern.
Question 2
During an abdominal assessment, which sequence should the nurse use?
A) Palpation, percussion, auscultation, inspection
B) Auscultation, inspection, palpation, percussion
C) Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
D) Percussion, palpation, inspection, auscultation
Rationale: The correct answer is C because abdominal assessment is performed in the sequence
of inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Auscultation occurs before percussion
and palpation because manipulating the abdomen can alter bowel sounds. The other sequences
incorrectly place palpation or percussion before auscultation.
Question 3
A patient reports abdominal bloating and constipation. Which dietary recommendation is most
appropriate when there are no contraindications?
A) Eliminate all dietary fiber
B) Increase fiber gradually while maintaining adequate fluid intake
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C) Consume only clear liquids for several days
D) Avoid fruits and vegetables
Rationale: The correct answer is B because gradual dietary-fiber increase combined with
adequate fluid intake can promote regular bowel elimination. Option A can worsen constipation.
Option C does not provide adequate nutritional support for routine constipation management.
Option D removes important sources of dietary fiber.
Question 4
A patient taking opioid analgesics after surgery has not had a bowel movement and reports
abdominal discomfort. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A) Encourage mobility as tolerated and assess the prescribed bowel regimen
B) Restrict oral fluids
C) Encourage prolonged bed rest
D) Withhold all prescribed analgesics without contacting the provider
Rationale: The correct answer is A because opioids commonly decrease gastrointestinal
motility, and mobility, hydration when appropriate, and an ordered bowel regimen can help
prevent opioid-associated constipation. Option B may worsen constipation. Option C decreases
stimulation of bowel motility. Option D is unsafe because nurses should not independently
discontinue prescribed analgesia without appropriate clinical direction.
Question 5
Which finding is most concerning in a patient with constipation?
A) Passing stool every other day without discomfort
B) Mild abdominal fullness after eating
C) New severe abdominal pain with vomiting and abdominal distention
D) Increased interest in high-fiber foods
Rationale: The correct answer is C because severe pain, vomiting, and marked distention may
indicate intestinal obstruction or another acute abdominal condition requiring prompt
evaluation. Option A may represent an individual's normal pattern. Option B can occur with
ordinary gastrointestinal activity. Option D is not an alarming finding.
Question 6
A nurse is teaching a patient about preventing constipation. Which statement by the patient
indicates correct understanding?
A) “I should ignore the urge to defecate until a convenient time.”
B) “I should establish a regular time for toileting and respond to the urge to defecate.”
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C) “I should avoid physical activity.”
D) “I should eliminate fiber from my diet.”
Rationale: The correct answer is B because responding to the urge to defecate and establishing
regular toileting habits can support normal bowel elimination. Option A encourages delaying
defecation. Option C can reduce bowel motility. Option D is inappropriate because dietary fiber
generally supports bowel regularity when appropriate.
Question 7
A patient has frequent watery stools. Which assessment finding requires the nurse's greatest
immediate attention?
A) Mild abdominal cramping
B) Increased bowel sounds
C) Orthostatic dizziness and decreased urine output
D) Increased appetite
Rationale: The correct answer is C because dizziness with decreased urine output can indicate
significant fluid-volume depletion. Mild cramping and increased bowel sounds may accompany
diarrhea. Increased appetite is not the priority concern compared with possible dehydration.
Question 8
A patient with acute diarrhea is at risk for which complication?
A) Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
B) Increased bone density
C) Hypervolemia from excessive stool losses
D) Permanent urinary retention in every case
Rationale: The correct answer is A because repeated watery stools can cause substantial fluid
and electrolyte losses. Option B is unrelated. Option C is opposite to the expected risk. Option D
is not an expected universal complication of diarrhea.
Question 9
Which nursing assessment is most important for a patient experiencing prolonged diarrhea?
A) Nail length
B) Fluid balance and electrolyte-related symptoms
C) Hair texture
D) Visual acuity
Rationale: The correct answer is B because prolonged diarrhea can produce dehydration and
electrolyte disturbances. Monitoring intake and output, vital signs, mucous membranes, weight,
, Page |4
and laboratory results can help identify deterioration. The other assessments are not primary
concerns related to prolonged diarrhea.
Question 10
A patient with diarrhea asks why oral fluids are important. Which response is best?
A) “Fluids replace losses and help prevent dehydration.”
B) “Fluids stop all intestinal movement.”
C) “Fluids prevent every cause of diarrhea.”
D) “Fluids eliminate the need for electrolyte monitoring.”
Rationale: The correct answer is A because ongoing diarrhea can cause fluid losses, making
hydration important. Option B is incorrect because fluids do not stop intestinal movement.
Option C incorrectly suggests that hydration treats every cause. Option D is incorrect because
significant diarrhea may still require monitoring for electrolyte abnormalities.
Question 11
Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A) A patient with chronic constipation who requests dietary advice
B) A patient with mild diarrhea who is drinking fluids
C) A patient with diarrhea who is confused and hypotensive
D) A patient asking when the next meal will be served
Rationale: The correct answer is C because confusion and hypotension may indicate severe
dehydration or circulatory compromise and require immediate assessment. The other patients
have less urgent needs.
Question 12
Which stool characteristic should the nurse document most specifically?
A) “Patient had stool.”
B) “Patient used the bathroom.”
C) “Patient passed a large, hard, dry stool with straining.”
D) “Patient eliminated normally.”
Rationale: The correct answer is C because objective documentation should describe relevant
stool characteristics, amount, consistency, and associated symptoms. The other options are
vague and do not adequately characterize bowel elimination.
Question 13
NU 136 EXAM 2 LATEST VERSION — ACTUAL EXAM [
QUESTION 1- 200] AND ANSWERS UPDATED 2026/2027|
100% VERIFIED|DETAILED RATIONALES –PASS
GUARANTEED A+ GRADED |INSTANT DOWNLOAD
Question 1
A 58-year-old patient reports intermittent abdominal discomfort and constipation for several
weeks. Which assessment question should the nurse ask first to obtain the most useful
information about the patient's bowel pattern?
A) “How much water do you drink each day?”
B) “When was your last normal bowel movement?”
C) “Do you prefer taking medication in the morning?”
D) “Have you ever had abdominal surgery?”
Rationale: The correct answer is B because determining the timing and characteristics of the
last normal bowel movement establishes the immediate bowel-elimination status. Option A is
relevant but should follow a basic elimination assessment. Option C does not directly assess the
presenting concern. Option D may be clinically relevant but is less immediately useful than
establishing the current bowel pattern.
Question 2
During an abdominal assessment, which sequence should the nurse use?
A) Palpation, percussion, auscultation, inspection
B) Auscultation, inspection, palpation, percussion
C) Inspection, auscultation, percussion, palpation
D) Percussion, palpation, inspection, auscultation
Rationale: The correct answer is C because abdominal assessment is performed in the sequence
of inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation. Auscultation occurs before percussion
and palpation because manipulating the abdomen can alter bowel sounds. The other sequences
incorrectly place palpation or percussion before auscultation.
Question 3
A patient reports abdominal bloating and constipation. Which dietary recommendation is most
appropriate when there are no contraindications?
A) Eliminate all dietary fiber
B) Increase fiber gradually while maintaining adequate fluid intake
,Page |2
C) Consume only clear liquids for several days
D) Avoid fruits and vegetables
Rationale: The correct answer is B because gradual dietary-fiber increase combined with
adequate fluid intake can promote regular bowel elimination. Option A can worsen constipation.
Option C does not provide adequate nutritional support for routine constipation management.
Option D removes important sources of dietary fiber.
Question 4
A patient taking opioid analgesics after surgery has not had a bowel movement and reports
abdominal discomfort. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?
A) Encourage mobility as tolerated and assess the prescribed bowel regimen
B) Restrict oral fluids
C) Encourage prolonged bed rest
D) Withhold all prescribed analgesics without contacting the provider
Rationale: The correct answer is A because opioids commonly decrease gastrointestinal
motility, and mobility, hydration when appropriate, and an ordered bowel regimen can help
prevent opioid-associated constipation. Option B may worsen constipation. Option C decreases
stimulation of bowel motility. Option D is unsafe because nurses should not independently
discontinue prescribed analgesia without appropriate clinical direction.
Question 5
Which finding is most concerning in a patient with constipation?
A) Passing stool every other day without discomfort
B) Mild abdominal fullness after eating
C) New severe abdominal pain with vomiting and abdominal distention
D) Increased interest in high-fiber foods
Rationale: The correct answer is C because severe pain, vomiting, and marked distention may
indicate intestinal obstruction or another acute abdominal condition requiring prompt
evaluation. Option A may represent an individual's normal pattern. Option B can occur with
ordinary gastrointestinal activity. Option D is not an alarming finding.
Question 6
A nurse is teaching a patient about preventing constipation. Which statement by the patient
indicates correct understanding?
A) “I should ignore the urge to defecate until a convenient time.”
B) “I should establish a regular time for toileting and respond to the urge to defecate.”
,Page |3
C) “I should avoid physical activity.”
D) “I should eliminate fiber from my diet.”
Rationale: The correct answer is B because responding to the urge to defecate and establishing
regular toileting habits can support normal bowel elimination. Option A encourages delaying
defecation. Option C can reduce bowel motility. Option D is inappropriate because dietary fiber
generally supports bowel regularity when appropriate.
Question 7
A patient has frequent watery stools. Which assessment finding requires the nurse's greatest
immediate attention?
A) Mild abdominal cramping
B) Increased bowel sounds
C) Orthostatic dizziness and decreased urine output
D) Increased appetite
Rationale: The correct answer is C because dizziness with decreased urine output can indicate
significant fluid-volume depletion. Mild cramping and increased bowel sounds may accompany
diarrhea. Increased appetite is not the priority concern compared with possible dehydration.
Question 8
A patient with acute diarrhea is at risk for which complication?
A) Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
B) Increased bone density
C) Hypervolemia from excessive stool losses
D) Permanent urinary retention in every case
Rationale: The correct answer is A because repeated watery stools can cause substantial fluid
and electrolyte losses. Option B is unrelated. Option C is opposite to the expected risk. Option D
is not an expected universal complication of diarrhea.
Question 9
Which nursing assessment is most important for a patient experiencing prolonged diarrhea?
A) Nail length
B) Fluid balance and electrolyte-related symptoms
C) Hair texture
D) Visual acuity
Rationale: The correct answer is B because prolonged diarrhea can produce dehydration and
electrolyte disturbances. Monitoring intake and output, vital signs, mucous membranes, weight,
, Page |4
and laboratory results can help identify deterioration. The other assessments are not primary
concerns related to prolonged diarrhea.
Question 10
A patient with diarrhea asks why oral fluids are important. Which response is best?
A) “Fluids replace losses and help prevent dehydration.”
B) “Fluids stop all intestinal movement.”
C) “Fluids prevent every cause of diarrhea.”
D) “Fluids eliminate the need for electrolyte monitoring.”
Rationale: The correct answer is A because ongoing diarrhea can cause fluid losses, making
hydration important. Option B is incorrect because fluids do not stop intestinal movement.
Option C incorrectly suggests that hydration treats every cause. Option D is incorrect because
significant diarrhea may still require monitoring for electrolyte abnormalities.
Question 11
Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A) A patient with chronic constipation who requests dietary advice
B) A patient with mild diarrhea who is drinking fluids
C) A patient with diarrhea who is confused and hypotensive
D) A patient asking when the next meal will be served
Rationale: The correct answer is C because confusion and hypotension may indicate severe
dehydration or circulatory compromise and require immediate assessment. The other patients
have less urgent needs.
Question 12
Which stool characteristic should the nurse document most specifically?
A) “Patient had stool.”
B) “Patient used the bathroom.”
C) “Patient passed a large, hard, dry stool with straining.”
D) “Patient eliminated normally.”
Rationale: The correct answer is C because objective documentation should describe relevant
stool characteristics, amount, consistency, and associated symptoms. The other options are
vague and do not adequately characterize bowel elimination.
Question 13
