Medical-Surgical Nursing Assessment and Management of Clinical Problems 9e Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Nursing Management: Lower Gastrointestinal Problems
Test Bank
MULTIPLE CHOICE
1. Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care for a 42-year-old patient who is being
admitted with Clostridium difficile?
a.Educate the patient about proper food storage.
b.Order a diet with no dairy products for the patient.
c.Place the patient in a private room on contact isolation.
d.Teach the patient about why antibiotics will not be used.
ANS: C
Because C. difficile is highly contagious, the patient should be placed in a private room and
contact precautions should be used. There is no need to restrict dairy products for this type of
diarrhea. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is frequently used to treat C. difficile. Improper food
handling and storage do not cause C. difficile.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 964

TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment
2. A 71-year-old male patient tells the nurse that growing old causes constipation so he has been
using a suppository for constipation every morning. Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Encourage the patient to increase oral fluid intake.
b. Assess the patient about risk factors for constipation.
c. Suggest that the patient increase intake of high-fiber foods.
d. Teach the patient that a daily bowel movement is unnecessary.
ANS: B
The nurses initial action should be further assessment of the patient for risk factors for
constipation and for his usual bowel pattern. The other actions may be appropriate but will be
based on the assessment.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 968-969

OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
3. A 64-year-old woman who has chronic constipation asks the nurse about the use of psyllium
(Metamucil). Which information will the nurse include in the response?
a.Absorption of fat-soluble vitamins may be reduced by fiber-containing laxatives.
b.Dietary sources of fiber should be eliminated to prevent excessive gas formation.
c.Use of this type of laxative to prevent constipation does not cause adverse effects.
d.Large amounts of fluid should be taken to prevent impaction or bowel obstruction.
ANS: D
A high fluid intake is needed when patients are using bulk-forming laxatives to avoid
worsening constipation. Although bulk-forming laxatives are generally safe, the nurse should
emphasize the possibility of constipation or obstipation if inadequate fluid intake occurs.
Although increased gas formation is likely to occur with increased dietary fiber, the patient
should gradually increase dietary fiber and eventually may not need the psyllium. Fat-soluble
vitamin absorption is blocked by stool softeners and lubricants, not by bulk-forming laxatives.

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
4. A 26-year-old woman is being evaluated for vomiting and abdominal pain. Which question
from the nurse will be most useful in determining the cause of the patients symptoms?
a. What type of foods do you eat?
b. Is it possible that you are pregnant?
c. Can you tell me more about the pain?
d. What is your usual elimination pattern?
ANS: C
A complete description of the pain provides clues about the cause of the problem. Although
the nurse should ask whether the patient is pregnant to determine whether the patient might
have an ectopic pregnancy and before any radiology studies are done, this information is not
the most useful in determining the cause of the pain. The usual diet and elimination patterns
are less helpful in determining the reason for the patients symptoms.

TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
5. A patient complains of gas pains and abdominal distention two days after a small bowel
resection. Which nursing action is best to take?
a. Encourage the patient to ambulate.
b. Instill a mineral oil retention enema.
c. Administer the ordered IV morphine sulfate.
d. Offer the ordered promethazine (Phenergan) suppository.
ANS: A
Ambulation will improve peristalsis and help the patient eliminate flatus and reduce gas pain.
A mineral oil retention enema is helpful for constipation with hard stool. A return-flow enema
might be used to relieve persistent gas pains. Morphine will further reduce peristalsis.
Promethazine (Phenergan) is used as an antiemetic rather than to decrease gas pains or
distention.

6. A 58-year-old man with blunt abdominal trauma from a motor vehicle crash undergoes
peritoneal lavage. If the lavage returns brown fecal drainage, which action will the nurse plan
to take next?
a. Auscultate the bowel sounds.
b. Prepare the patient for surgery.
c. Check the patients oral temperature.
d. Obtain information about the accident.
ANS: B
Return of brown drainage and fecal material suggests perforation of the bowel and the need
for immediate surgery. Auscultation of bowel sounds, checking the temperature, and obtaining
information about the accident are appropriate actions, but the priority is to prepare to send the
patient for emergency surgery.

OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
7. A 27-year-old female patient is admitted to the hospital for evaluation of right lower quadrant
abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting. Which action should the nurse take?
a. Encourage the patient to sip clear liquids.
b. Assess the abdomen for rebound tenderness.
c. Assist the patient to cough and deep breathe.
d. Apply an ice pack to the right lower quadrant.
ANS: D
The patients clinical manifestations are consistent with appendicitis, and application of an ice
pack will decrease inflammation at the area. Checking for rebound tenderness frequently is
unnecessary and uncomfortable for the patient. The patient should be NPO in case immediate
surgery is needed. The patient will need to know how to cough and deep breathe
postoperatively, but coughing will increase pain at this time.

8. Which nursing action will be included in the plan of care for a 27-year-old male patient with
bowel irregularity and a new diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?
a.Encourage the patient to express concerns and ask questions about IBS.
b.Suggest that the patient increase the intake of milk and other dairy products.
c.Educate the patient about the use of alosetron (Lotronex) to reduce symptoms.
d.Teach the patient to avoid using nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
ANS: A
Because psychologic and emotional factors can affect the symptoms for IBS, encouraging the
patient to discuss emotions and ask questions is an important intervention. Alosetron has
serious side effects, and is used only for female patients who have not responded to other
therapies. Although yogurt may be beneficial, milk is avoided because lactose intolerance can
contribute to symptoms in some patients. NSAIDs can be used by patients with IBS.

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity
9. A patient being admitted with an acute exacerbation of ulcerative colitis reports crampy
abdominal pain and passing 15 or more bloody stools a day. The nurse will plan to
a. administer IV metoclopramide (Reglan).
b. discontinue the patients oral food intake.
c. administer cobalamin (vitamin B12) injections.
d. teach the patient about total colectomy surgery.
ANS: B
An initial therapy for an acute exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is to rest the
bowel by making the patient NPO. Metoclopramide increases peristalsis and will worsen
symptoms. Cobalamin (vitamin B12) is absorbed in the ileum, which is not affected by
ulcerative colitis. Although total colectomy is needed for some patients, there is no indication
that this patient is a candidate.

TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
10. Which nursing action will the nurse include in the plan of care for a 35-year-old male patient
admitted with an exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
a.Restrict oral fluid intake.
b.Monitor stools for blood.
c.Ambulate four times daily.
d.Increase dietary fiber intake.
ANS: B
Because anemia or hemorrhage may occur with IBD, stools should be assessed for the
presence of blood. The other actions would not be appropriate for the patient with IBD.
Because dietary fiber may increase gastrointestinal (GI) motility and exacerbate the diarrhea,
severe fatigue is common with IBD exacerbations, and dehydration may occur.

11. Which patient statement indicates that the nurses teaching about sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
for ulcerative colitis has been effective?
a. The medication will be tapered if I need surgery.
b. I will need to use a sunscreen when I am outdoors.
c. I will need to avoid contact with people who are sick.
d. The medication will prevent infections that cause the diarrhea.
ANS: B
Sulfasalazine may cause photosensitivity in some patients. It is not used to treat infections.
Sulfasalazine does not reduce immune function. Unlike corticosteroids, tapering of
sulfasalazine is not needed.

TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation MSC: NCLEX: Physiological Integrity
12. A 22-year-old female patient with an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis is having 15 to 20

stools daily and has excoriated perianal skin. Which patient behavior indicates that teaching
regarding maintenance of skin integrity has been effective?
a. The patient uses incontinence briefs to contain loose stools.
b. The patient asks for antidiarrheal medication after each stool.
c. The patient uses witch hazel compresses to decrease irritation.
d. The patient cleans the perianal area with soap after each stool.
ANS: C
Witch hazel compresses are suggested to reduce anal irritation and discomfort. Incontinence
briefs may trap diarrhea and increase the incidence of skin breakdown. Antidiarrheal
medications are not given 15 to 20 times a day. The perianal area should be washed with plain
water after each stool.

13. Which diet choice by the patient with an acute exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease
(IBD) indicates a need for more teaching?
a. Scrambled eggs
b. White toast and jam
c. Oatmeal with cream
d. Pancakes with syrup
ANS: C
During acute exacerbations of IBD, the patient should avoid high-fiber foods such as whole
grains. High-fat foods also may cause diarrhea in some patients. The other choices are low
residue and would be appropriate for this patient.

14. After a total proctocolectomy and permanent ileostomy, the patient tells the nurse, I cannot
manage all these changes. I dont want to look at the stoma. What is the best action by the
nurse?
a. Reassure the patient that ileostomy care will become easier.
b. Ask the patient about the concerns with stoma management.
c. Develop a detailed written list of ostomy care tasks for the patient.
d. Postpone any teaching until the patient adjusts to the ileostomy.
ANS: B
Encouraging the patient to share concerns assists in helping the patient adjust to the body
changes. Acknowledgment of the patients feelings and concerns is important rather than
offering false reassurance. Because the patient indicates that the feelings about the ostomy are
the reason for the difficulty with the many changes, development of a detailed ostomy care
plan will not improve the patients ability to manage the ostomy. Although detailed ostomy
teaching may be postponed, the nurse should offer teaching about some aspects of living with
an ostomy.

TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation MSC: NCLEX: Psychosocial Integrity
15. A 51-year-old male patient has a new diagnosis of Crohns disease after having frequent
diarrhea and a weight loss of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) over 2 months. The nurse will plan to teach
about
a. medication use.
b. fluid restriction.
c. enteral nutrition.
d. activity restrictions.
ANS: A
Medications are used to induce and maintain remission in patients with inflammatory bowel
disease (IBD). Decreased activity level is indicated only if the patient has severe fatigue and
weakness. Fluids are needed to prevent dehydration. There is no advantage to enteral feedings.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 978-979 | 982

16. A 24-year-old woman with Crohns disease develops a fever and symptoms of a urinary tract
infection (UTI) with tan, fecal-smelling urine. What information will the nurse add to a
general teaching plan about UTIs in order to individualize the teaching for this patient?
a. Bacteria in the perianal area can enter the urethra.
b. Fistulas can form between the bowel and bladder.
c. Drink adequate fluids to maintain normal hydration.
d. Empty the bladder before and after sexual intercourse.
ANS: B
Fistulas between the bowel and bladder occur in Crohns disease and can lead to UTI.
Teaching for UTI prevention in general includes good hygiene, adequate fluid intake, and
voiding before and after intercourse.

17. A 73-year-old patient with diverticulosis has a large bowel obstruction. The nurse will monitor
for
a. referred back pain.
b. metabolic alkalosis.
c. projectile vomiting.
d. abdominal distention.
ANS: D
Abdominal distention is seen in lower intestinal obstruction. Referred back pain is not a
common clinical manifestation of intestinal obstruction. Metabolic alkalosis is common in
high intestinal obstruction because of the loss of HCl acid from vomiting. Projectile vomiting
is associated with higher intestinal obstruction.

18. The nurse preparing for the annual physical exam of a 50-year-old man will plan to teach the
patient about
a. endoscopy.
b. colonoscopy.
c. computerized tomography screening.
d. carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) testing.
ANS: B
At age 50, individuals with an average risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) should begin
screening for CRC. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for CRC screening. The other diagnostic
tests are not recommended as part of a routine annual physical exam at age 50.

TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance
19. The nurse is providing preoperative teaching for a 61-year-old man scheduled for an
abdominal-perineal resection. Which information will the nurse include?
a. Another surgery in 8 to 12 weeks will be used to create an ileal-anal reservoir.
b. The patient will begin sitting in a chair at the bedside on the first postoperative
day.
c. The patient will drink polyethylene glycol lavage solution (GoLYTELY)
preoperatively.
d. IV antibiotics will be started at least 24 hours before surgery to reduce the bowel
bacteria.
ANS: C
A bowel-cleansing agent is used to empty the bowel before surgery to reduce the risk for
infection. A permanent colostomy is created with this surgery. Sitting is contraindicated after
an abdominal-perineal resection. Oral antibiotics (rather than IV antibiotics) are given to
reduce colonic and rectal bacteria.

20. A 74-year-old patient preparing to undergo a colon resection for cancer of the colon asks
about the elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) test result. The nurse explains that the test
is used to
a. identify any metastasis of the cancer.
b. monitor the tumor status after surgery.
c. confirm the diagnosis of a specific type of cancer.
d. determine the need for postoperative chemotherapy.
ANS: B
CEA is used to monitor for cancer recurrence after surgery. CEA levels do not help to
determine whether there is metastasis of the cancer. Confirmation of the diagnosis is made on
the basis of biopsy. Chemotherapy use is based on factors other than CEA.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 987

21. A 71-year-old patient had an abdominal-perineal resection for colon cancer. Which nursing
action is most important to include in the plan of care for the day after surgery?
a. Teach about a low-residue diet.
b. Monitor output from the stoma.
c. Assess the perineal drainage and incision.
d. Encourage acceptance of the colostomy stoma.
ANS: C
Because the perineal wound is at high risk for infection, the initial care is focused on
assessment and care of this wound. Teaching about diet is best done closer to discharge from
the hospital. There will be very little drainage into the colostomy until peristalsis returns. The
patient will be encouraged to assist with the colostomy, but this is not the highest priority in
the immediate postoperative period.

22. A 47-year-old female patient is transferred from the recovery room to a surgical unit after a
transverse colostomy. The nurse observes the stoma to be deep pink with edema and a small
amount of sanguineous drainage. The nurse should
a. place ice packs around the stoma.
b. notify the surgeon about the stoma.
c. monitor the stoma every 30 minutes.
d. document stoma assessment findings.
ANS: D
The stoma appearance indicates good circulation to the stoma. There is no indication that
surgical intervention is needed or that frequent stoma monitoring is required. Swelling of the
stoma is normal for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, and an ice pack is not needed.

23. Which information will the nurse include in teaching a patient who had a proctocolectomy and
ileostomy for ulcerative colitis?
a. Restrict fluid intake to prevent constant liquid drainage from the stoma.
b. Use care when eating high-fiber foods to avoid obstruction of the ileum.
c. Irrigate the ileostomy daily to avoid having to wear a drainage appliance.
d. Change the pouch every day to prevent leakage of contents onto the skin.
ANS: B
High-fiber foods are introduced gradually and should be well chewed to avoid obstruction of
the ileostomy. Patients with ileostomies lose the absorption of water in the colon and need to
take in increased amounts of fluid. The pouch should be drained frequently but is changed
every 5 to 7 days. The drainage from an ileostomy is liquid and continuous, so control by
irrigation is not possible.

24. The nurse will determine that teaching a 67-year-old man to irrigate his new colostomy has
been effective if the patient
a. inserts the irrigation tubing 4 to 6 inches into the stoma.
b. hangs the irrigating container 18 inches above the stoma.
c. stops the irrigation and removes the irrigating cone if cramping occurs.
d. fills the irrigating container with 1000 to 2000 mL of lukewarm tap water.
ANS: B
The irrigating container should be hung 18 to 24 inches above the stoma. If cramping occurs,
the irrigation should be temporarily stopped and the cone left in place. Five hundred to 1000
mL of water should be used for irrigation. An irrigation cone, rather than tubing, should be
inserted into the stoma; 4 to 6 inches would be too far for safe insertion.

25. A 34-year-old female patient with a new ileostomy asks how much drainage to expect. The
nurse explains that after the bowel adjusts to the ileostomy, the usual drainage will be about
_____ cups.
a. 2
b. 3
c. 4
d. 5
ANS: A
After the proximal small bowel adapts to reabsorb more fluid, the average amount of
ileostomy drainage is about 500 mL daily. One cup is about 240 mL.

26. The nurse admitting a patient with acute diverticulitis explains that the initial plan of care is to
a. administer IV fluids.
b. give stool softeners and enemas.
c. order a diet high in fiber and fluids.
d. prepare the patient for colonoscopy.
ANS: A
A patient with acute diverticulitis will be NPO and given parenteral fluids. A diet high in fiber
and fluids will be implemented before discharge. Bulk-forming laxatives, rather than stool
softeners, are usually given, and these will be implemented later in the hospitalization. The
patient with acute diverticulitis will not have enemas or a colonoscopy because of the risk for
perforation and peritonitis.

27. A 42-year-old male patient has had a herniorrhaphy to repair an incarcerated inguinal hernia.
Which patient teaching will the nurse provide before discharge?
a.Soak in sitz baths several times each day.
b.Cough 5 times each hour for the next 48 hours.
c.Avoid use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain.
d.Apply a scrotal support and ice to reduce swelling.
ANS: D
A scrotal support and ice are used to reduce edema and pain. Coughing will increase pressure
on the incision. Sitz baths will not relieve pain and would not be of use after this surgery.
Acetaminophen can be used for postoperative pain.

28. Which breakfast choice indicates a patients good understanding of information about a diet
for celiac disease?
a. Oatmeal with nonfat milk
b. Whole wheat toast with butter
c. Bagel with low-fat cream cheese
d. Corn tortilla with scrambled eggs
ANS: D
Avoidance of gluten-containing foods is the only treatment for celiac disease. Corn does not
contain gluten, while oatmeal and wheat do.

29. A 62-year-old patient has had a hemorrhoidectomy at an outpatient surgical center. Which
instructions will the nurse include in discharge teaching?
a. Maintain a low-residue diet until the surgical area is healed.
b. Use ice packs on the perianal area to relieve pain and swelling.
c. Take prescribed pain medications before a bowel movement is expected.
d. Delay having a bowel movement for several days until healing has occurred.
ANS: C
Bowel movements may be very painful, and patients may avoid defecation unless pain
medication is taken before the bowel movement. A high-residue diet will increase stool bulk
and prevent constipation. Delay of bowel movements is likely to lead to constipation. Warm
sitz baths rather than ice packs are used to relieve pain and keep the surgical area clean.

30. A 50-year-old female patient calls the clinic to report a new onset of severe diarrhea. The
nurse anticipates that the patient will need to
a. collect a stool specimen.
b. prepare for colonoscopy.
c. schedule a barium enema.
d. have blood cultures drawn.
ANS: A
Acute diarrhea is usually caused by an infectious process, and stool specimens are obtained
for culture and examined for parasites or white blood cells. There is no indication that the
patient needs a colonoscopy, blood cultures, or a barium enema.

31. The nurse will plan to teach a patient with Crohns disease who has megaloblastic anemia
about the need for
a. oral ferrous sulfate tablets.
b. regular blood transfusions.
c. iron dextran (Imferon) infusions.
d. cobalamin (B12) spray or injections.
ANS: D
Crohns disease frequently affects the ileum, where absorption of cobalamin occurs.
Cobalamin must be administered regularly by nasal spray or IM to correct the anemia. Iron
deficiency does not cause megaloblastic anemia. The patient may need occasional transfusions
but not regularly scheduled transfusions.
32. The nurse is assessing a 31-year-old female patient with abdominal pain. Th nurse,who notes
that there is ecchymosis around the area of umbilicus, will document this finding as
a. Cullen sign.
b. Rovsing sign.
c. McBurney sign.
d. Grey-Turners signt.
ANS: B
Cullen sign is ecchymosis around the umbilicus. Rovsing sign occurs when palpation of the
left lower quadrant causes pain in the right lower quadrant. Deep tenderness at McBurney's
point (halfway between the umbilicus and the right iliac crest), known as McBurney's sign, is
a sign of acute appendicitis.

33. A 54-year-old critically ill patient with sepsis is frequently incontinent of watery stools. What
action by the nurse will prevent complications associated with ongoing incontinence?
a. Apply incontinence briefs.
b. Use a fecal management system
c. Insert a rectal tube with a drainage bag.
d. Assist the patient to a commode frequently.
ANS: B
Fecal management systems are designed to contain loose stools and can be in place for as long
as 4 weeks without causing damage to the rectum or anal sphincters. Although incontinence
briefs may be helpful, unless they are changed frequently, they are likely to increase the risk
for skin breakdown. Rectal tubes are avoided because of possible damage to the anal sphincter
and ulceration of the rectal mucosa. A critically ill patient will not be able to tolerate getting
up frequently to use the commode or bathroom.

34. Which question from the nurse would help determine if a patients abdominal pain might
indicate irritable bowel syndrome?
a. Have you been passing a lot of gas?
b. What foods affect your bowel patterns?
c. Do you have any abdominal distention?
d. How long have you had abdominal pain?
ANS: D
One criterion for the diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the presence of abdominal
discomfort or pain for at least 3 months. Abdominal distention, flatulence, and food
intolerance are also associated with IBS, but are not diagnostic criteria.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 972 | eTable 43-3

35. A patient in the emergency department has just been diagnosed with peritonitis caused by a
ruptured diverticulum. Which prescribed intervention will the nurse implement first?
a. Insert a urinary catheter to drainage.
b. Infuse metronidazole (Flagyl) 500 mg IV.
c. Send the patient for a computerized tomography scan.
d. Place a nasogastric (NG) tube to intermittent low suction.
ANS: B
Because peritonitis can be fatal if treatment is delayed, the initial action should be to start
antibiotic therapy (after any ordered cultures are obtained). The other actions can be done
after antibiotic therapy is initiated.

36. A 25-year-old male patient calls the clinic complaining of diarrhea for 24 hours. Which action
should the nurse take first?
a. Inform the patient that laboratory testing of blood and stools will be necessary.
b. Ask the patient to describe the character of the stools and any associated
symptoms.
c. Suggest that the patient drink clear liquid fluids with electrolytes, such as
Gatorade or Pedialyte.
d. Advise the patient to use over-the-counter loperamide (Imodium) to slow
gastrointestinal (GI) motility.
ANS: B
The initial response by the nurse should be further assessment of the patient. The other
responses may be appropriate, depending on what is learned in the assessment.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: eTable 43-1

OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment
37. A 45-year-old patient is admitted to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain
and rebound tenderness. Vital signs include temperature 102 F (38.3 C), pulse 120,
respirations 32, and blood pressure (BP) 82/54. Which prescribed intervention should the
nurse implement first?
a. Administer IV ketorolac (Toradol) 15 mg.
b. Draw blood for a complete blood count (CBC).
c. Obtain a computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen.
d. Infuse 1 liter of lactated Ringers solution over 30 minutes.
ANS: D
The priority for this patient is to treat the patients hypovolemic shock with fluid infusion. The
other actions should be implemented after starting the fluid infusion.

38. Four hours after a bowel resection, a 74-year-old male patient with a nasogastric tube to
suction complains of nausea and abdominal distention. The first action by the nurse should be
to
a. auscultate for hypotonic bowel sounds.
b. notify the patients health care provider.
c. reposition the tube and check for placement.
d. remove the tube and replace it with a new one.
ANS: C
Repositioning the tube will frequently facilitate drainage. Because this is a common
occurrence, it is not appropriate to notify the health care provider unless other interventions do
not resolve the problem. Information about the presence or absence of bowel sounds will not
be helpful in improving drainage. Removing the tube and replacing it are unnecessarily
traumatic to the patient, so that would only be done if the tube was completely occluded.

39. A 19-year-old female is brought to the emergency department with a knife handle protruding
from the abdomen. During the initial assessment of the patient, the nurse should
a. remove the knife and assess the wound.
b. determine the presence of Rovsing sign.
c. check for circulation and tissue perfusion.
d. insert a urinary catheter and assess for hematuria.
ANS: C
The initial assessment is focused on determining whether the patient has hypovolemic shock.
The knife should not be removed until the patient is in surgery, where bleeding can be
controlled. Rovsing sign is assessed in the patient with suspected appendicitis. A patient with
a knife in place will be taken to surgery and assessed for bladder trauma there.

40. Which activity in the care of a 48-year-old female patient with a new colostomy could the
nurse delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
a. Document the appearance of the stoma.
b. Place a pouching system over the ostomy.
c. Drain and measure the output from the ostomy.
d. Check the skin around the stoma for breakdown.
ANS: C
Draining and measuring the output from the ostomy is included in UAP education and scope
of practice. The other actions should be implemented by LPNs or RNs.

OBJ: Special Questions: Delegation TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment
41. Which information obtained by the nurse interviewing a 30-year-old male patient is most
important to communicate to the health care provider?
a. The patient has a history of constipation.
b. The patient has noticed blood in the stools.
c. The patient had an appendectomy at age 27.
d. The patient smokes a pack/day of cigarettes.
ANS: B
Blood in the stools is a possible clinical manifestation of colorectal cancer and requires further
assessment by the health care provider. The other patient information will also be
communicated to the health care provider, but does not indicate an urgent need for further
testing or intervention.

42. Which care activity for a patient with a paralytic ileus is appropriate for the registered nurse
(RN) to delegate to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)?
a. Auscultation for bowel sounds
b. Nasogastric (NG) tube irrigation
c. Applying petroleum jelly to the lips
d. Assessment of the nares for irritation
ANS: C
UAP education and scope of practice include patient hygiene such as oral care. The other
actions require education and scope of practice appropriate to the RN.

OBJ: Special Questions: Delegation TOP: Nursing Process: Implementation
43. After several days of antibiotic therapy, an older hospitalized patient develops watery
diarrhea. Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Notify the health care provider.
b. Obtain a stool specimen for analysis.
c. Teach the patient about handwashing.
d. Place the patient on contact precautions.
ANS: D
The patients history and new onset diarrhea suggest a C. difficile infection, which requires
implementation of contact precautions to prevent spread of the infection to other patients. The
other actions are also appropriate but can be accomplished after contact precautions are
implemented.

44. Which patient should the nurse assess first after receiving change-of-shift report?
a. 60-year-old patient whose new ileostomy has drained 800 mL over the previous 8
hours
b. 50-year-old patient with familial adenomatous polyposis who has occult blood in
the stool
c. 40-year-old patient with ulcerative colitis who has had six liquid stools in the
previous 4 hours
d. 30-year-old patient who has abdominal distention and an apical heart rate of 136
beats/minute
ANS: D
The patients abdominal distention and tachycardia suggest hypovolemic shock caused by
problems such as peritonitis or intestinal obstruction, which will require rapid intervention.
The other patients should also be assessed as quickly as possible, but the data do not indicate
any life-threatening complications associated with their diagnoses.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 974

OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization; Multiple Patients TOP: Nursing Process: Planning
45. A 51-year-old woman with Crohns disease who is taking infliximab (Remicade) calls the
nurse in the outpatient clinic about new symptoms. Which symptom is most important to
communicate to the health care provider?
a. Fever
b. Nausea
c. Joint pain
d. Headache
ANS: A
Since infliximab suppresses the immune response, rapid treatment of infection is essential.
The other patient complaints are common side effects of the medication, but they do not
indicate any potentially life-threatening complications.

OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
46. A 33-year-old male patient with a gunshot wound to the abdomen undergoes surgery, and a
colostomy is formed as shown in the accompanying figure. Which information will be
included in patient teaching?
a. Stool will be expelled from both stomas.

b. This type of colostomy is usually temporary.
c. Soft, formed stool can be expected as drainage.
d. Irrigations can regulate drainage from the stomas.
ANS: B
A loop, or double-barrel stoma, is usually temporary. Stool will be expelled from the proximal
stoma only. The stool from the transverse colon will be liquid and regulation through
irrigations will not be possible.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 990 | 991
47. A 76-year-old patient with obstipation has a fecal impaction and is incontinent of liquid stool.
Which action should the nurse take first?
a. Administer bulk-forming laxatives.
b. Assist the patient to sit on the toilet.
c. Manually remove the impacted stool.
d. Increase the patients oral fluid intake.
ANS: C
The initial action with a fecal impaction is manual disimpaction. The other actions will be
used to prevent future constipation and impactions.

48. A female patient is awaiting surgery for acute peritonitis. Which action will the nurse include
in the plan of care?
a. Position patient with the knees flexed.
b. Avoid use of opioids or sedative drugs.
c. Offer frequent small sips of clear liquids.
d. Assist patient to breathe deeply and cough.
ANS: A
There is less peritoneal irritation with the knees flexed, which will help decrease pain. Opioids
and sedatives are typically given to control pain and anxiety. Preoperative patients with
peritonitis are given IV fluids for hydration. Deep breathing and coughing will increase the
patients discomfort.

49. A 72-year-old male patient with dehydration caused by an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis is
receiving 5% dextrose in normal saline at 125 mL/hour. Which assessment finding by the
nurse is most important to report to the health care provider?
a. Patient has not voided for the last 4 hours.
b. Skin is dry with poor turgor on all extremities.
c. Crackles are heard halfway up the posterior chest.
d. Patient has had 5 loose stools over the last 6 hours.
ANS: C
The presence of crackles in an older patient receiving IV fluids at a high rate suggests volume
overload and a need to reduce the rate of the IV infusion. The other data will also be reported,
but are consistent with the patients age and diagnosis and do not require a change in the
prescribed treatment.

50. A new 19-year-old male patient has familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Which action will
the nurse in the gastrointestinal clinic include in the plan of care?
a. Obtain blood samples for DNA analysis.
b. Schedule the patient for yearly colonoscopy.
c. Provide preoperative teaching about total colectomy.
d. Discuss lifestyle modifications to decrease cancer risk.
ANS: B
Patients with FAP should have annual colonoscopy starting at age 16 and usually have total
colectomy by age 25 to avoid developing colorectal cancer. DNA analysis is used to make the
diagnosis, but is not needed now for this patient. Lifestyle modifications will not decrease
cancer risk for this patient.

TOP: Nursing Process: Planning MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance
51. Which menu choice by the patient with diverticulosis is best for preventing diverticulitis?
a. Navy bean soup and vegetable salad
b. Whole grain pasta with tomato sauce
c. Baked potato with low-fat sour cream
d. Roast beef sandwich on whole wheat bread
ANS: A
A diet high in fiber and low in fats and red meat is recommended to prevent diverticulitis.
Although all of the choices have some fiber, the bean soup and salad will be the highest in
fiber and the lowest in fat.

OBJ: Special Questions: Prioritization TOP: Nursing Process: Evaluation
MSC: NCLEX: Health Promotion and Maintenance
52. After change-of-shift report, which patient should the nurse assess first?
a. 40-year-old male with celiac disease who has frequent frothy diarrhea
b. 30-year-old female with a femoral hernia who has abdominal pain and vomiting
c. 30-year-old male with ulcerative colitis who has severe perianal skin breakdown
d. 40-year-old female with a colostomy bag that is pulling away from the adhesive
wafer
ANS: B
Pain and vomiting with a femoral hernia suggest possible strangulation, which will necessitate
emergency surgery. The other patients have less urgent problems.
DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 983

OBJ: Special Questions: Multiple Patients; Prioritization
TOP: Nursing Process: Assessment MSC: NCLEX: Safe and Effective Care Environment
53. The nurse is admitting a 67-year-old patient with new-onset steatorrhea. Which question is
most important for the nurse to ask?
a. How much milk do you usually drink?
b. Have you noticed a recent weight loss?
c. What time of day do your bowels move?
d. Do you eat meat or other animal products?
ANS: B
Although all of the questions provide useful information, it is most important to determine if
the patient has an imbalance in nutrition because of the steatorrhea.

54. Which information will the nurse teach a 23-year-old patient with lactose intolerance?
a. Ice cream is relatively low in lactose.
b. Live-culture yogurt is usually tolerated.
c. Heating milk will break down the lactose.
d. Nonfat milk is a better choice than whole milk.
ANS: B
Lactose-intolerant individuals can usually eat yogurt without experiencing discomfort. Ice
cream, nonfat milk, and milk that has been heated are all high in lactose.

55. Which prescribed intervention for a 61-year-old female patient with chronic short bowel
syndrome will the nurse question?
a. Ferrous sulfate (Feosol) 325 mg daily
b. Senna (Senokot) 1 tablet every day
c. Psyllium (Metamucil) 2.1 grams 3 times daily
d. Diphenoxylate with atropine (Lomotil) prn loose stools
ANS: B
Patients with short bowel syndrome have diarrhea because of decreased nutrient and fluid
absorption and would not need stimulant laxatives. Iron supplements are used to prevent iron-
deficiency anemia, bulk-forming laxatives help make stools less watery, and opioid
antidiarrheal drugs are helpful in slowing intestinal transit time.

MULTIPLE RESPONSE
1. Which information will the nurse include when teaching a patient how to avoid chronic
constipation (select all that apply)?
a. Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications can cause constipation.
b. Stimulant and saline laxatives can be used regularly.
c. Bulk-forming laxatives are an excellent source of fiber.
d. Walking or cycling frequently will help bowel motility.
e. A good time for a bowel movement may be after breakfast.
ANS: A, C, D, E
Stimulant and saline laxatives should be used infrequently. Use of bulk-forming laxatives,
regular early morning timing of defecation, regular exercise, and avoiding many OTC
medications will help the patient avoid constipation.


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Chapter 43: Nursing Management: Lower Gastrointestinal Problems

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 964

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 968-969

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 967

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 971

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 971

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 973

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 974

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 981

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 971

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 978

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 978

12. A 22-year-old female patient with an exacerbation of ulcerative colitis is having 15 to 20

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 982

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 981

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 991

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 978-979 | 982

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 991

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 983

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 987

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 988

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 987

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 988-989

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 922

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 993

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 993

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 993

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 995

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 997

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 998

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 1001

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 963

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 973

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 966

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 972 | eTable 43-3

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 975

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: eTable 43-1

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 973

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 970

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 973

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 994

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 989

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 15-16

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 963

DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 974

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 979

a. Stool will be expelled from both stomas.

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 965

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 975

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 984

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 985

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 995

DIF: Cognitive Level: Analyze (analysis) REF: 983

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 997

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 999

DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply (application) REF: 999

DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand (comprehension) REF: 967

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