Bowel Elimination Exam Questions With
Verified Answers Latest
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
A large amount of fluid should be taken to prevent constipation and fecal impaction when using a
product with psyllium
5. A patient calls the nurse at the health clinic and reports that since his trip to Mexico, he has been
experiencing diarrhea. The nurse suggests he try the antidiarrheal drug:
a. docusate sodium (Colace).
b. loperamide (Imodium).
c. polycarbophil (FiberCon).
d. senna (Senokot).
ANS: B
Loperamide (Imodium) is an antidiarrheal; the rest are used to prevent or treat constipation.
6. An elderly resident in a long-term care facility has experienced constant diarrhea for 3 days and is
now exhibiting signs and symptoms of dehydration. The nurse initiates an intervention to offer small
amounts of ________ frequently.
a. a cola beverage
b. ginger ale
c. Gatorade
d. Kool-Aid
ANS: C
The patient may be developing electrolyte imbalance because of the diarrhea, so the best fluid source
to offer is Gatorade, which has sodium and potassium. This should be offered 1 to 2 ounces at a time.
7. A patient who has started antibiotic therapy is having diarrhea as a side effect of the medication.
The nurse should encourage the patient to eat:
a. yogurt.
b. raisins.
c. gelatin fruit-flavored dessert (e.g., Jell-O).
d. poultry.
ANS: A
Diarrhea results from the loss of normal intestinal bacteria that are also killed during treatment with
antibiotics used to treat a different infection; eating yogurt or drinking buttermilk can help restore
normal intestinal flora.
Verified Answers Latest
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
A large amount of fluid should be taken to prevent constipation and fecal impaction when using a
product with psyllium
5. A patient calls the nurse at the health clinic and reports that since his trip to Mexico, he has been
experiencing diarrhea. The nurse suggests he try the antidiarrheal drug:
a. docusate sodium (Colace).
b. loperamide (Imodium).
c. polycarbophil (FiberCon).
d. senna (Senokot).
ANS: B
Loperamide (Imodium) is an antidiarrheal; the rest are used to prevent or treat constipation.
6. An elderly resident in a long-term care facility has experienced constant diarrhea for 3 days and is
now exhibiting signs and symptoms of dehydration. The nurse initiates an intervention to offer small
amounts of ________ frequently.
a. a cola beverage
b. ginger ale
c. Gatorade
d. Kool-Aid
ANS: C
The patient may be developing electrolyte imbalance because of the diarrhea, so the best fluid source
to offer is Gatorade, which has sodium and potassium. This should be offered 1 to 2 ounces at a time.
7. A patient who has started antibiotic therapy is having diarrhea as a side effect of the medication.
The nurse should encourage the patient to eat:
a. yogurt.
b. raisins.
c. gelatin fruit-flavored dessert (e.g., Jell-O).
d. poultry.
ANS: A
Diarrhea results from the loss of normal intestinal bacteria that are also killed during treatment with
antibiotics used to treat a different infection; eating yogurt or drinking buttermilk can help restore
normal intestinal flora.
