ATI Bowel Elimination Questions and
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
A client reports not having a bowel movement for three days. Which action should the nurse take
first?
✔✔A. Ask the client about their usual bowel habits
B. Offer a glass of juice
C. Administer a laxative
D. Notify the provider immediately
Which dietary change promotes bowel regularity?
A. Increase intake of dairy products
✔✔B. Eat whole grains and vegetables
C. Reduce fiber intake
D. Drink caffeinated beverages frequently
Which finding is a sign of fecal impaction?
✔✔A. Leakage of liquid stool
1
,B. Pain with urination
C. Decreased bowel sounds
D. Frequent flatulence
When teaching a client about preventing constipation, the nurse should include
A. Avoiding physical activity
✔✔B. Drinking 2-3 liters of water daily
C. Using enemas daily
D. Eating low-residue foods
The nurse prepares to administer a soap suds enema. Which is the correct position for the client?
A. Supine with knees flexed
✔✔B. Left side-lying with right knee flexed
C. Sitting upright in bed
D. Prone with arms at sides
A client is prescribed a bulk-forming laxative. The nurse should teach the client to
✔✔A. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent obstruction
2
, B. Take it with milk only
C. Avoid taking it with meals
D. Limit fluid intake to avoid diarrhea
Which client is most at risk for developing bowel elimination issues?
✔✔A. An older adult taking opioids
B. A teenager who exercises daily
C. A school-age child eating high-fiber foods
D. An adult with a high fluid intake
The presence of black, tarry stools most likely indicates
✔✔A. Gastrointestinal bleeding
B. Iron deficiency
C. Constipation
D. Dehydration
What instruction should be given to a client collecting a stool sample for occult blood testing?
A. Take the sample from the toilet water
3
Answers | Latest Version | 2025/2026 |
Correct & Verified
A client reports not having a bowel movement for three days. Which action should the nurse take
first?
✔✔A. Ask the client about their usual bowel habits
B. Offer a glass of juice
C. Administer a laxative
D. Notify the provider immediately
Which dietary change promotes bowel regularity?
A. Increase intake of dairy products
✔✔B. Eat whole grains and vegetables
C. Reduce fiber intake
D. Drink caffeinated beverages frequently
Which finding is a sign of fecal impaction?
✔✔A. Leakage of liquid stool
1
,B. Pain with urination
C. Decreased bowel sounds
D. Frequent flatulence
When teaching a client about preventing constipation, the nurse should include
A. Avoiding physical activity
✔✔B. Drinking 2-3 liters of water daily
C. Using enemas daily
D. Eating low-residue foods
The nurse prepares to administer a soap suds enema. Which is the correct position for the client?
A. Supine with knees flexed
✔✔B. Left side-lying with right knee flexed
C. Sitting upright in bed
D. Prone with arms at sides
A client is prescribed a bulk-forming laxative. The nurse should teach the client to
✔✔A. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent obstruction
2
, B. Take it with milk only
C. Avoid taking it with meals
D. Limit fluid intake to avoid diarrhea
Which client is most at risk for developing bowel elimination issues?
✔✔A. An older adult taking opioids
B. A teenager who exercises daily
C. A school-age child eating high-fiber foods
D. An adult with a high fluid intake
The presence of black, tarry stools most likely indicates
✔✔A. Gastrointestinal bleeding
B. Iron deficiency
C. Constipation
D. Dehydration
What instruction should be given to a client collecting a stool sample for occult blood testing?
A. Take the sample from the toilet water
3
