BUTTARO CHAPTER 131
Chapter 131: Constipation
Test Bank
Multiple Choice
1. 1. A patient is diagnosed with chronic constipation who uses polyethylene glycol, reports increased
abdominal discomfort with nausea and vomiting. What is the initial action by the provider?
a. a. Increase the dose of polyethylene glycol
b. b. Obtain radiographic abdominal studies
c. c. Perform a stool culture and occult blood
d. d. Refer to a specialist for colonoscopy
ANS: B
Patients with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting should have radiologic studies to exclude obstruction, ileus,
megacolon, or volvulus. If those are ruled out, increasing the laxative may be warranted. Stool culture is indicated if
the parasite ascariasis is suspected. Referral for colonoscopy is needed if alarm symptoms for neoplasm are
present. REF: Diagnostics
1. 2. A patient reports a decrease in the frequency of stools and asks about treatment for constipation.
Which findings are part of the Rome III criteria for diagnosing constipation?
a. a. Feeling of incomplete evacuation
b. b. Fewer than 5 stools per week
c. c. Lumpy stools
d. d. Presence of irritable bowel syndrome
e. e. Symptoms present for 3 months
ANS: A, C, E
According to the Rome III criteria, symptoms must have begun 6 months prior and persisted for at least 3 months
and include a feeling of incomplete evacuation, lumpy or hard stools, fewer than 3 stools per week, and not
meeting criteria for irritable bowel syndrome. REF: Definition and Epidemiology
1. 3. A patient has recurrent constipation which improves with laxative use but returns when laxatives
are discontinued. Which pharmacologic treatment will the provider recommend for long-term
management?
a. a. Bisacodyl
b. b. Docusate sodium
c. c. Methylcellulose
d. d. Mineral oil
ANS: C
Methylcellulose is a bulk-forming product and is used initially. The other medications are used for more severe
constipation and not recommended for long-term use. REF: Management
This study source was downloaded by 100000839306532 from CourseHero.com on 01-17-2022 15:26:02 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/66476505/Buttaro-Chapter-131docx/
Chapter 131: Constipation
Test Bank
Multiple Choice
1. 1. A patient is diagnosed with chronic constipation who uses polyethylene glycol, reports increased
abdominal discomfort with nausea and vomiting. What is the initial action by the provider?
a. a. Increase the dose of polyethylene glycol
b. b. Obtain radiographic abdominal studies
c. c. Perform a stool culture and occult blood
d. d. Refer to a specialist for colonoscopy
ANS: B
Patients with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting should have radiologic studies to exclude obstruction, ileus,
megacolon, or volvulus. If those are ruled out, increasing the laxative may be warranted. Stool culture is indicated if
the parasite ascariasis is suspected. Referral for colonoscopy is needed if alarm symptoms for neoplasm are
present. REF: Diagnostics
1. 2. A patient reports a decrease in the frequency of stools and asks about treatment for constipation.
Which findings are part of the Rome III criteria for diagnosing constipation?
a. a. Feeling of incomplete evacuation
b. b. Fewer than 5 stools per week
c. c. Lumpy stools
d. d. Presence of irritable bowel syndrome
e. e. Symptoms present for 3 months
ANS: A, C, E
According to the Rome III criteria, symptoms must have begun 6 months prior and persisted for at least 3 months
and include a feeling of incomplete evacuation, lumpy or hard stools, fewer than 3 stools per week, and not
meeting criteria for irritable bowel syndrome. REF: Definition and Epidemiology
1. 3. A patient has recurrent constipation which improves with laxative use but returns when laxatives
are discontinued. Which pharmacologic treatment will the provider recommend for long-term
management?
a. a. Bisacodyl
b. b. Docusate sodium
c. c. Methylcellulose
d. d. Mineral oil
ANS: C
Methylcellulose is a bulk-forming product and is used initially. The other medications are used for more severe
constipation and not recommended for long-term use. REF: Management
This study source was downloaded by 100000839306532 from CourseHero.com on 01-17-2022 15:26:02 GMT -06:00
https://www.coursehero.com/file/66476505/Buttaro-Chapter-131docx/
