NUR 102 Bowel Elimination Practice Questions with 100% Correct Answers.

A client asks the RN why it is more difficult to use a bedpan for defecating than sitting on the toilet. Which of the following is the best response? 1. The sitting position decreases the contractions of the muscles of the pelvic floor. 2. The sitting position increases the downward pressure on the rectum, making it easier to pass stool. 3. The sitting position increases the pressure within the abdomen. 4. The sitting position inhibits the urge to urinate, allowing one to defecate. Correct Answer Answer: 2. Rationale: Normal defecation is facilitated by thigh flexion, which increases the pressure within the abdomen, and a sitting position, which increases the downward pressure on the rectum. Expulsion of the feces is assisted by contraction of the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm, which increases abdominal pressure, and by contraction of the muscles of the pelvic floor, which moves the feces through the anal canal. An older client tells the nurse that in order to have a daily bowel movement, the client uses laxatives most days of the week. What should the nurse tell this client? Select all that apply. 1. Normal patterns of elimination are different for everyone. 2. Increase fiber intake to 20-35g/day 3. Engage in enjoyable exercise. 4. Ignore the urge to have a bowel movement. 5. Have 6-8 glasses of fluid daily Correct Answer Answer: 1,2,3, 5. Rationale: Older adults hould be advised that normal patterns of bowel elimination vary considerably. For some, a normal pattern might be every other day; for others, twice a day. Constipation can be relieved by increasing the fiber intake to 20-35g/day. Adequate exercise is a preventative measure for constipation. Daily fluid intake of 6-8 glasses is an essential preventive measure for constipation. Responding to the gastrocolic reflex and not ignoring it, also helps with constipation A client has received an oil retention enema. The nurse should instruct the client that the enema will take effect within what time? 1. 1-3 hours 2. 10-20 minutes 3. 5-10 minutes 4. 10-15 minutes Correct Answer Answer: 1. Rationale: Oil retention enemas take effect within 1-3 hours. Enemas using a hypertonic solution take effect in 5-10 min. Soapsuds enemas take effect in 10-15 min. Enemas using hypotonic or isotonic solutions take effect in 10-20 min.