Davis- Chapter 29- Bowel Elimination Exam
Questions With Verified Answers
Stanley is recovering from knee surgery and has not had a bowel movement for 3 days. The nurse
places him on the bathroom toilet rather than having him use the bedside commode or a bedpan.
1. promotes
2. inhibits
1. promotes
Clients are often challenged with constipation while hospitalized as a result of medications, surgery,
and inactivity. Allowing a more "natural" environment can promote normal bowel habits.
The nurse assists Martha to the restroom and leaves the door open a crack so she can be heard if she
needs help.
1. promotes
2. inhibits
2. inhibits
Privacy is important to promote normal bowel movements; this should include closing doors, pulling
curtains, and having visitors step out of the room. Although having the door open is helpful to the
nurse, it is not helpful for the client. A better alternative would be to close the door but check back
often, provide a call light, or stand outside the door to hear Martha ask for help.
Jeremy has a digestive disorder that causes a lot of gas. He is in a semiprivate room and mentions
how disturbing it must be for his roommate. The nurse sprays some odor-reducing product and leaves
it with Jeremy to use as needed.
1. promotes
2. inhibits
1. promotes
The embarrassment of the smell of flatus and stool can prevent clients from eliminating, causing them
to become distended, constipated, impacted, and uncomfortable. Identifying the need for an odor-
eliminating spray is the nurse's role.
Bonita tells the nurse she needs to use the restroom. The nurse cannot find adequate help to get
Bonita out of bed so she is placed on a bedpan.
1. promotes
2. inhibits
2. inhibits
The most natural position for elimination is sitting upright on a toilet. When the client is not able to
ambulate to the bathroom, a commode chair placed at the client's bedside can be used. A bedpan
should be used only if the client is unable to get out of bed.
The nurse has an order to deliver an enema to a constipated client. The nurse enters the room and
slides the lunch tray to the side, explaining there is an order for an enema.
1. promotes
2. inhibits
, 2. inhibits
Timing is an important part of normal bowel function. By interrupting the meal for this procedure, the
timing is poor. A better option is to discuss the order for the enema after the client has finished eating
so the nurse does not disturb his or her meal or appetite.
Joe is constipated and asking for a snack. The nurse offers an apple or orange.
1. promotes
2. inhibits
1. promotes
Foods high in fiber promote peristalsis and bowel elimination. Daily fiber intake should be 25 to 30
grams of fiber to attract water to the stool. Good choices include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole-grain
foods, legumes, and water.
Clay is constipated, so the nurse suggests increasing his water intake to 1 liter per day.
1. promotes
2. inhibits
2. inhibits
Water intake should be a minimum of 1,500 mL to 2,000 mL per day to keep the stool soft and aid in
the production of mucus to lubricate the colon. Clay needs to drink more than 1 liter of water each
day.
Natasha is recovering from surgery and is constipated from the regular opioid pain medications she
receives. The nurse requests high fiber in her diet from the dietitian.
1. PROMOTES
2. Inhibits
2. Inhibits
Adding fiber to try to correct opioid-induced constipation can put the client at risk for bowel
obstruction due to the opioid-induced decreased peristalsis, delayed gastric emptying, and prolonged
intestinal transit time of the feces. This could lead to a mechanical bowel obstruction.
Knute is in a care center and tells the nurse he has not had a bowel movement for 2 days. The nurse
suggests they go for a walk later.
1. PROMOTES
2. INHIBITS
1. PROMOTES
Physical activity increases peristalsis and promotes defecation. Minimally, a client should engage in
exercise three to five times a week with daily walking or light activity. Hospitalized or institutionalized
clients may need assistance with activity to prevent injury. For bedbound clients, range of motion,
thigh strengthening, and abdominal tightening are most beneficial to improve peristalsis.
Which action is most appropriate for a client experiencing constipation? Select all that apply.
1. Increase intake of beans and legumes
Questions With Verified Answers
Stanley is recovering from knee surgery and has not had a bowel movement for 3 days. The nurse
places him on the bathroom toilet rather than having him use the bedside commode or a bedpan.
1. promotes
2. inhibits
1. promotes
Clients are often challenged with constipation while hospitalized as a result of medications, surgery,
and inactivity. Allowing a more "natural" environment can promote normal bowel habits.
The nurse assists Martha to the restroom and leaves the door open a crack so she can be heard if she
needs help.
1. promotes
2. inhibits
2. inhibits
Privacy is important to promote normal bowel movements; this should include closing doors, pulling
curtains, and having visitors step out of the room. Although having the door open is helpful to the
nurse, it is not helpful for the client. A better alternative would be to close the door but check back
often, provide a call light, or stand outside the door to hear Martha ask for help.
Jeremy has a digestive disorder that causes a lot of gas. He is in a semiprivate room and mentions
how disturbing it must be for his roommate. The nurse sprays some odor-reducing product and leaves
it with Jeremy to use as needed.
1. promotes
2. inhibits
1. promotes
The embarrassment of the smell of flatus and stool can prevent clients from eliminating, causing them
to become distended, constipated, impacted, and uncomfortable. Identifying the need for an odor-
eliminating spray is the nurse's role.
Bonita tells the nurse she needs to use the restroom. The nurse cannot find adequate help to get
Bonita out of bed so she is placed on a bedpan.
1. promotes
2. inhibits
2. inhibits
The most natural position for elimination is sitting upright on a toilet. When the client is not able to
ambulate to the bathroom, a commode chair placed at the client's bedside can be used. A bedpan
should be used only if the client is unable to get out of bed.
The nurse has an order to deliver an enema to a constipated client. The nurse enters the room and
slides the lunch tray to the side, explaining there is an order for an enema.
1. promotes
2. inhibits
, 2. inhibits
Timing is an important part of normal bowel function. By interrupting the meal for this procedure, the
timing is poor. A better option is to discuss the order for the enema after the client has finished eating
so the nurse does not disturb his or her meal or appetite.
Joe is constipated and asking for a snack. The nurse offers an apple or orange.
1. promotes
2. inhibits
1. promotes
Foods high in fiber promote peristalsis and bowel elimination. Daily fiber intake should be 25 to 30
grams of fiber to attract water to the stool. Good choices include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole-grain
foods, legumes, and water.
Clay is constipated, so the nurse suggests increasing his water intake to 1 liter per day.
1. promotes
2. inhibits
2. inhibits
Water intake should be a minimum of 1,500 mL to 2,000 mL per day to keep the stool soft and aid in
the production of mucus to lubricate the colon. Clay needs to drink more than 1 liter of water each
day.
Natasha is recovering from surgery and is constipated from the regular opioid pain medications she
receives. The nurse requests high fiber in her diet from the dietitian.
1. PROMOTES
2. Inhibits
2. Inhibits
Adding fiber to try to correct opioid-induced constipation can put the client at risk for bowel
obstruction due to the opioid-induced decreased peristalsis, delayed gastric emptying, and prolonged
intestinal transit time of the feces. This could lead to a mechanical bowel obstruction.
Knute is in a care center and tells the nurse he has not had a bowel movement for 2 days. The nurse
suggests they go for a walk later.
1. PROMOTES
2. INHIBITS
1. PROMOTES
Physical activity increases peristalsis and promotes defecation. Minimally, a client should engage in
exercise three to five times a week with daily walking or light activity. Hospitalized or institutionalized
clients may need assistance with activity to prevent injury. For bedbound clients, range of motion,
thigh strengthening, and abdominal tightening are most beneficial to improve peristalsis.
Which action is most appropriate for a client experiencing constipation? Select all that apply.
1. Increase intake of beans and legumes
