A 55-year-old patient diagnosed with constipation reports abdominal discomfort. Upon assessment, the nurse identifies distended abdomen, absence of bowel sounds, and reports not having a bowel movement for four days. Which intervention should the nurse prioritize?
A) Administering a laxative B) Encouraging increased fluid intake C) Providing a warm bath D) Performing a digital rectal examination (DRE) E) Assisting with ambulation
The correct answer is D) Performing a digital rectal examination (DRE).
60-Day NCLEX Challenge
Given the patient’s prolonged absence of bowel movement and abdominal discomfort, a DRE is crucial to assess for impacted stool. This intervention helps in confirming the presence of fecal impaction and guides further management, such as manual disimpaction or appropriate medication administration.
NCLEX Review: Bowel Elimination Treatments
A postoperative patient has an ileus and is at risk for paralytic ileus. What nursing intervention would be most effective in promoting bowel motility? A) Administering an opioid analgesic B) Encouraging early ambulation C) Limiting fluid intake D) Providing a low-fiber diet E) Maintaining a supine position
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Encouraging early ambulation.
4000 Free NCLEX Questions
Postoperative patients with ileus benefit from early mobilization, as it stimulates peristalsis and enhances bowel motility. Ambulation aids in preventing complications associated with decreased bowel activity, such as paralytic ileus, and promotes faster recovery.
1000 Medical-Surgical Questions
NCLEX Questions Critical Thinking: Bowel Elimination Symptoms
A patient with a history of chronic constipation is prescribed a bulk-forming laxative. Which assessment finding indicates a therapeutic effect of the medication? A) Increased abdominal distention B) Passage of formed stool C) Decreased appetite D) Frequent episodes of diarrhea E) Heightened rectal bleeding
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Passage of formed stool. Bulk-forming laxatives, such as fiber supplements, aid in increasing stool bulk and promoting regular, formed bowel movements. Passage of formed stool indicates the therapeutic effectiveness of the medication in relieving constipation without causing diarrhea or worsening abdominal symptoms.
A 70-year-old patient admitted with fecal impaction exhibits abdominal distention, discomfort, and reports an inability to pass stool for over a week. The nurse plans to administer an enema. What position should the nurse instruct the patient to assume for the enema administration? A) Prone position B) Left Sims’ position C) Supine position D) Trendelenburg position E) High Fowler’s position
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Left Sims’ position. This position allows gravity to facilitate the flow of the enema solution into the descending colon, promoting the dislodgment of impacted feces. It helps maximize the effectiveness of the enema by positioning the patient to facilitate the movement of the solution toward the intended area of the bowel.
Free NCLEX Q-Bank 1400 Q&A
A patient undergoes a colostomy, and the nurse is providing postoperative education. Which statement by the patient indicates a need for further teaching regarding colostomy care? A) “I should empty the colostomy bag when it’s one-third to one-half full.” B) “I’ll use mild soap and water to clean around the stoma.” C) “I will irrigate the colostomy daily to prevent odors.” D) “I’ll consume a diet high in fiber to reduce gas and odor.” E) “I’ll inspect the stoma regularly for signs of irritation or changes in color.”
Rationale: The correct answer is C) “I will irrigate the colostomy daily to prevent odors.” Colostomy irrigation is not typically performed daily and should not be done solely for odor control. It is reserved for specific situations and is not a routine practice. Educating the patient about the proper frequency and purpose of colostomy irrigation is essential to prevent complications.
A patient receiving opioid pain medication for postoperative pain reports constipation. The nurse plans to recommend interventions to alleviate constipation. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention to manage opioid-induced constipation? A) Encouraging increased opioid dosage B) Administering a stimulant laxative C) Limiting fluid intake D) Advocating for bed rest E) Suggesting a high-fiber diet
Understanding Bowel Elimination Care: NCLEX Delegation Questions
Rationale: The correct answer is B) Administering a stimulant laxative. Opioid-induced constipation often requires a targeted approach for effective management. Stimulant laxatives help promote bowel movements by stimulating peristalsis, addressing the opioid-related decrease in bowel motility without increasing the opioid dosage or compromising hydration status.
Free NCLEX Practice Exam, Start Now
A 45-year-old patient is admitted with severe diarrhea due to a gastrointestinal infection. The nurse is concerned about the risk of fluid and electrolyte imbalance. Which assessment finding would indicate dehydration in this patient? A) Bradycardia B) Increased urine output C) Hypotension D) Flushed skin E) Increased skin turgor
Rationale: The correct answer is C) Hypotension. Dehydration, often seen in patients with severe diarrhea, leads to decreased intravascular volume and manifests as hypotension. This occurs due to fluid loss and inadequate intake, requiring prompt intervention to prevent further complications.
1000 AANP Questions
Understanding Bowel Elimination: NCLEX Priority Questions
A patient who had a recent bowel resection surgery reports feeling abdominal pain and distention. On assessment, the nurse hears high-pitched, tinkling bowel sounds. What complication might these findings indicate? A) Bowel obstruction B) Constipation C) Hyperactive bowel sounds D) Paralytic ileus E) Gastroenteritis
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Bowel obstruction. High-pitched, tinkling bowel sounds, along with abdominal pain and distention, are indicative of bowel obstruction. This obstruction can occur due to adhesions or blockages, necessitating immediate medical attention to prevent complications like bowel ischemia or perforation.
NCLEX Questions: Focus on Medications for Bowel Elimination
A patient with chronic constipation is prescribed a stool softener. What is the primary action of a stool softener in managing constipation? A) Increasing intestinal motility B) Stimulating peristalsis C) Decreasing stool bulk D) Softening stool consistency E) Inducing fluid retention
Rationale: The correct answer is D) Softening stool consistency. Stool softeners work by drawing water into the stool, making it easier to pass. This helps alleviate constipation by softening the fecal material, reducing straining during bowel movements, and facilitating easier evacuation.
1000 HESI Exit Questions
NCLEX Focus Exploring Bowel Elimination: Causes and Diagnosis
A patient with a colostomy expresses concerns about the odor associated with the stoma. What should the nurse advise the patient to minimize odor from the colostomy? A) Using petroleum jelly around the stoma B) Covering the stoma with a small bandage C) Cleaning the stoma with alcohol-based solutions D) Applying deodorizing sprays directly on the stoma E) Consuming foods like onions and garlic
Rationale: The correct answer is A) Using petroleum jelly around the stoma. Applying petroleum jelly around the stoma can create a barrier that helps minimize odor by reducing contact between stool and the surrounding skin. This method assists in controlling odor without causing irritation or affecting the stoma’s function.