IGGY CH 56 COLON CANCER AND
OSTOMY CARE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS 100% CORRECT RATED
A+
Question 1: Dietary Modifications for Colorectal Cancer Prevention
The nurse is providing teaching about ways to reduce the risk for colorectal
cancer. Which dietary suggestions will the nurse be sure to include in the
teaching? (Select all that apply)
a. Low fat
b. Low protein
c. High fiber
d. High in red meat
e. Low in refined carbohydrates
f. High in brassica vegetables
✔✔ Answers: a, c, e, f
Clinical Rationale:
Low fat (a): High-fat diets stimulate increased bile acid production, which
can be converted by colonic bacteria into carcinogenic secondary bile acids.
High fiber (c): Dietary fiber increases fecal bulk, dilutes potential
carcinogens, and decreases transit time through the colon, reducing mucosal
exposure to harmful substances.
Low in refined carbohydrates (e): High intake of refined sugars elevates
insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1), which can stimulate cell proliferation in
the colonic epithelium.
High in brassica vegetables (f): Cruciferous/brassica vegetables (e.g.,
broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale) contain glucosinolates and
, sulforaphane, which activate phase II detoxifying enzymes that protect
against oxidative cell damage.
Why b & d are incorrect: High consumption of red meat (d) and
processed meats increases colorectal cancer risk. Decreasing total protein
indiscriminately (b) is not recommended; rather, swapping red/processed
meats for lean proteins or plant-based sources is encouraged.
Question 2: Classic Signs & Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
Which are the most common presenting signs of colorectal cancer (CRC)?
(Select all that apply)
a. Change in stool consistency/habits
b. Absent bowel sounds
c. Abdominal cramping
d. Anemia
e. Rectal bleeding
f. Gas pains
✔✔ Answers: a, d, e
Clinical Rationale:
Change in bowel habits (a): Persistent diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing
of stool caliber ("pencil-thin stools") is a primary hallmark of colonic
obstruction or tumor growth.
Anemia (d): Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia—often due to chronic,
microscopic, occult blood loss from right-sided (ascending colon) lesions—
is frequently the initial presenting laboratory finding.
Rectal bleeding (e): Hematochezia (bright red blood) or melena (dark tarry
stools), particularly common with left-sided or rectal tumors, is a cardinal
sign of CRC.
Why b, c, & f are excluded: Absent bowel sounds signify late-stage bowel
obstruction or paralytic ileus rather than typical early presentation. While
nonspecific abdominal pain or gas can occur, persistent changes in stool,
bleeding, and unexplained anemia represent the core classic clinical triad.
OSTOMY CARE QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS 100% CORRECT RATED
A+
Question 1: Dietary Modifications for Colorectal Cancer Prevention
The nurse is providing teaching about ways to reduce the risk for colorectal
cancer. Which dietary suggestions will the nurse be sure to include in the
teaching? (Select all that apply)
a. Low fat
b. Low protein
c. High fiber
d. High in red meat
e. Low in refined carbohydrates
f. High in brassica vegetables
✔✔ Answers: a, c, e, f
Clinical Rationale:
Low fat (a): High-fat diets stimulate increased bile acid production, which
can be converted by colonic bacteria into carcinogenic secondary bile acids.
High fiber (c): Dietary fiber increases fecal bulk, dilutes potential
carcinogens, and decreases transit time through the colon, reducing mucosal
exposure to harmful substances.
Low in refined carbohydrates (e): High intake of refined sugars elevates
insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1), which can stimulate cell proliferation in
the colonic epithelium.
High in brassica vegetables (f): Cruciferous/brassica vegetables (e.g.,
broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale) contain glucosinolates and
, sulforaphane, which activate phase II detoxifying enzymes that protect
against oxidative cell damage.
Why b & d are incorrect: High consumption of red meat (d) and
processed meats increases colorectal cancer risk. Decreasing total protein
indiscriminately (b) is not recommended; rather, swapping red/processed
meats for lean proteins or plant-based sources is encouraged.
Question 2: Classic Signs & Symptoms of Colorectal Cancer (CRC)
Which are the most common presenting signs of colorectal cancer (CRC)?
(Select all that apply)
a. Change in stool consistency/habits
b. Absent bowel sounds
c. Abdominal cramping
d. Anemia
e. Rectal bleeding
f. Gas pains
✔✔ Answers: a, d, e
Clinical Rationale:
Change in bowel habits (a): Persistent diarrhea, constipation, or narrowing
of stool caliber ("pencil-thin stools") is a primary hallmark of colonic
obstruction or tumor growth.
Anemia (d): Unexplained iron-deficiency anemia—often due to chronic,
microscopic, occult blood loss from right-sided (ascending colon) lesions—
is frequently the initial presenting laboratory finding.
Rectal bleeding (e): Hematochezia (bright red blood) or melena (dark tarry
stools), particularly common with left-sided or rectal tumors, is a cardinal
sign of CRC.
Why b, c, & f are excluded: Absent bowel sounds signify late-stage bowel
obstruction or paralytic ileus rather than typical early presentation. While
nonspecific abdominal pain or gas can occur, persistent changes in stool,
bleeding, and unexplained anemia represent the core classic clinical triad.
