Bowel Elimination Questions and Answers Already Passed

Answers Already Passed 1. The nurse has assessed that a patient's stool has changed from brown to dark black and sticky. The nurse suspects: a. blockage of the bile duct. b. blockage of the pancreatic duct. c. recent excessive intake of milk products. d. presence of occult blood. ANS: D Occult or old blood is suspected when stool changes from a normal brown appearance to a dark black color with a sticky appearance. 2. The nurse has documented that a patient has had two episodes of steatorrhea, which means that the character of the stool is: a. hard and clay colored b. frothy and foul smelling. c. very liquid and streaked with blood. d. soft and filled with mucus. ANS: B Steatorrhea is defined as stools with abnormally high fat content that are usually frothy, foul smelling, and float on water. 3. The nurse should plan interventions to combat constipation in a patient: a. being treated for diabetes mellitus. b. who has a routine order for Metamucil. c. who just completed barium studies of the bowel. d. with orders to ambulate with assistance. ANS: C A patient who is undergoing barium radiograph studies is more prone to constipation than are the other patients. 4. An elderly patient who routinely takes the bulk-forming laxative psyllium (Metamucil) is counseled by the home health nurse that in order to prevent constipation and possible fecal impaction, this patient should be sure to take: a. extra vitamin C. b. a fat-soluble vitamin. c. the medication with a large amount of fluid. d. an over-the-counter antacid. ANS: C