Question 1

When describing abdominal hernias to a group of nursing students, the instructor would identify which type as most common?
A) Inguinal
B) Femoral
C) Umbilical
D) Incisional

Accepted Answer

Inguinal hernias are the most common type of abdominal hernia, accounting for approximately 70% of all cases. Femoral and umbilical hernias are less common, and incisional hernias occur as a result of previous abdominal surgery.

Question 2

A nurse is caring for a client with diarrhea. Which of the following interventions would help to ensure that the client's perianal tissue remains intact?
A) Instructing the client to use soft paper to the perianal area.
B) Applying ointment with vitamins A and D to the perianal area.
C) Encourage the client to rest with the legs elevated.
D) Assist the client to soak the rectal area in a tub of cold water.

Accepted Answer

Applying ointment with vitamins A and D to the perianal area would help to ensure that the client's perianal tissue remains intact. This ointment can provide a protective barrier and soothe the skin. Soft paper and rest with elevated legs may also be helpful, but soaking the rectal area in cold water may promote greater irritation and should be avoided.

Question 3

A client is being treated for prolonged diarrhea. Which of the following foods should the nurse encourage the client to consume?
A) Protein-rich foods
B) Potassium-rich foods
C) High-fiber foods
D) High-fat foods

Accepted Answer

Prolonged diarrhea can cause electrolyte imbalances, including low potassium levels. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to encourage the client to consume potassium-rich foods, such as bananas, potatoes, and avocado. Protein-rich foods may be beneficial for muscle repair and growth, but they do not directly address the issue of diarrhea. High-fiber and high-fat foods can actually worsen diarrhea, so they should be avoided or limited.

Question 4

When interviewing a client with internal hemorrhoids, which of the following would the nurse expect the client to report?
A) Rectal bleeding
B) Pain
C) Itching
D) Soreness

Accepted Answer

Internal hemorrhoids are often painless, but bleeding is a common symptom. Itching and soreness may also be present, but rectal bleeding is the most common symptom associated with internal hemorrhoids.

Question 5

A client with a pilonidal sinus undergoes surgery. Which of the following would the nurse include in the client's postoperative plan of care?
A) Administering prescribed antibiotics
B) Repacking the surgical wound
C) Caring for the intact suture line
D) Maintaining nothing by mouth (NPO) status

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client with a pilonidal sinus undergoes...

Question 6

A client with a history of constipation is instructed to consume a high fiber diet. Which of the following if statement by the client as an appropriate food choice indicates the need for additional teaching?
A) Brown rice
B) White bread
C) Dried lentils
D) Popcorn

Accepted Answer

White bread is not a good choice for a high fiber diet as it is made from refined grains which have had the fiber-rich bran and germ removed. Brown rice, dried lentils, and popcorn are all good choices for a high fiber diet.

Question 7

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a client with Crohn's disease. Which of the following would the nurse most likely find?
A) Decreased white blood cell count
B) Increased albumin levels
C) Negative stool cultures
D) Decreased erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Accepted Answer

Negative stool cultures are common in Crohn's disease because it is an inflammatory condition rather than an infectious one.

Question 8

After assessing a client with peritonitis, the nurse most likely would document the client's bowel sounds as:
A) Mild.
B) High-pitched.
C) Hyperactive.
D) Absent.

Accepted Answer

Peritonitis is inflammation of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity. This condition can cause paralytic ileus, which is the temporary cessation of intestinal motility. When bowel sounds are absent, it usually indicates paralytic ileus, a concerning sign that needs to be reported immediately. Mild bowel sounds are normal, high-pitched bowel sounds may indicate early intestinal obstruction, and hyperactive bowel sounds may indicate late intestinal obstruction.

Question 9

When providing care for a client with diarrhea, the nurse instructs the client to avoid drinking with a straw based on the understanding that the straw:
A) Stimulates gastrointestinal (GI) motility.
B) Causes excessive peristalsis.
C) Increases the risk for infection.
D) Increases gas and cramping.

Accepted Answer

Drinking through a straw can lead to swallowing air, which can increase gas in the digestive system, potentially leading to more discomfort such as cramping, especially in a client already experiencing diarrhea.

Question 10

A client with Crohn's disease is to receive prednisone as part of the treatment plan. Which of the following instructions would be appropriate?
A) "Take the drug on an empty stomach to avoid upsetting your stomach."
B) "Once your symptoms improve, you can stop taking the drug."
C) "Make sure to increase your salt intake to compensate for the loss of fluid."
D) "Avoid contact with other people who might have an infection."

Accepted Answer

The answer of A client with Crohn's disease is to...

Question 11

A client is admitted with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. When assessing the abdomen, the nurse would expect to find rebound tenderness at which location?
A) Right upper quadrant
B) Right lower quadrant
C) Left upper quadrant
D) Left lower quadrant

Accepted Answer

Rebound tenderness, also known as Blumberg's sign, is a clinical sign in which pain is felt upon the release of pressure on the abdomen. This is typically found in the right lower quadrant in patients with appendicitis.

Question 12

After teaching a group of students about intestinal obstruction, the instructor determines that the teaching was effective when the students identify which of the following as a cause of a functional obstruction?
A) Volvulus
B) Intussusception
C) Tumor
D) Abdominal surgery

Accepted Answer

A functional obstruction is caused by a problem with the normal rhythmic contractions of the intestinal muscles, which can occur after abdominal surgery or with certain drugs. Volvulus, intussusception, and tumors are mechanical obstructions caused by a twisting of the intestines, a telescoping of one part of the intestine into another, or a growth that blocks the passageway.

Question 13

A client realizes that regular use of laxatives has greatly improved his bowel pattern. However, the nurse cautions this client against the prolonged use of laxatives for which reason?
A) The client may develop inflammatory bowel disease.
B) The client may develop arthritis or arthralgia.
C) The client's natural bowel function may become sluggish.
D) The client may lose his appetite.

Accepted Answer

Prolonged use of laxatives can lead to dependence on them and can cause the natural bowel function to become sluggish. This means that the client may become reliant on laxatives to have a bowel movement and may not be able to have a bowel movement without them. It is important to encourage clients to use other methods to improve bowel health, such as increasing fiber and fluid intake and exercising regularly, instead of relying solely on laxatives. The other answer choices (A, B, and D) are not accurate effects of prolonged laxative use.

Question 14

The nurse uses great caution when administering this drug based on the understanding of which of the following?
A) The client may get addicted to the antidiarrheal.
B) The client may experience nausea and dizziness.
C) The client may develop toxic megacolon.
D) The client may develop renal toxicity.

Accepted Answer

The development of toxic megacolon is a potential complication when administering antidiarrheal drugs, particularly in clients with inflammatory bowel disease or infectious diarrhea. This condition results in dilation and enlargement of the colon, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, the nurse would use great caution when administering antidiarrheal drugs to monitor for signs and symptoms of toxic megacolon. Options A, B, and D may be possible side effects of antidiarrheal drugs, but they are not the main reason for caution in administering the drug.

Question 15

Which of the following clients would be at greatest risk for the development of an anorectal fistula?
A) A 50-year-old male with diverticulosis
B) A 35-year-old female with Crohn's disease
C) A 42-year-old female with irritable bowel syndrome
D) A 60-year-old male with polyps of the colon

Accepted Answer

Anorectal fistulas are often associated with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly Crohn's disease. Therefore, the 35-year-old female with Crohn's disease would be at the greatest risk for developing an anorectal fistula. Age or gender is not significant in the development of anorectal fistula. Neither diverticulosis nor irritable bowel syndrome has been strongly linked to the development of anorectal fistulas.

Question 16

The nurse would instruct a client who has an appendectomy to avoid which of the following?
A) Heavy lifting.
B) Harsh sunlight.
C) Dairy products.
D) Purine-rich foods

Accepted Answer

After an appendectomy, the client should avoid heavy lifting or any strenuous activity that may cause strain on the incision site. This can lead to complications such as bleeding or herniation. Harsh sunlight and purine-rich foods are not specifically contraindicated after an appendectomy. Dairy products may be advised against if the client is experiencing gastrointestinal upset or lactose intolerance.

Question 17

A client with a hernia decides to manage the herniation with a truss. The nurse would emphasize which of the following?
A) Using laxatives to ensure regular bowel movement.
B) Wearing warm, woolen clothes to avoid dryness.
C) Applying a sunscreen to prevent exposure to direct sunlight.
D) Using cornstarch to absorb moisture in the area.

Accepted Answer

A truss is a supportive device for a hernia, and using cornstarch can help absorb moisture in the area, reducing the risk of skin irritation and infection. The other options are not directly related to managing a hernia with a truss.

Question 18

Which of the following would the nurse identify as a characteristic finding when assessing a client for pilonidal sinus?
A) Pain in the perianal area
B) Purulent drainage from the gluteal fold
C) Dilated pits of hair follicles in the cleft
D) Abdominal pain

Accepted Answer

Pilonidal sinus is characterized by dilated pits of hair follicles in the cleft (between the buttocks). Pain in the perianal area may also be present, but is not a specific characteristic of this condition. Purulent drainage from the gluteal fold may indicate an infection, but is not specific to pilonidal sinus. Abdominal pain is not related to pilonidal sinus.

Question 19

A client with Crohn's disease is prescribed medication therapy. Which of the following would the nurse expect to administer as a first line agent?
A) Prednisone
B) Sulfasalazine
C) Mercaptopurine
D) Azathioprine

Accepted Answer

Sulfasalazine is a first line agent for the treatment of Crohn's disease. Prednisone, mercaptopurine, and azathioprine are also used in treatment, but they are generally reserved for more severe cases or as second line agents.

Question 20

A nurse is preparing a presentation for a local community group of older adults about colon cancer. Which of the following would the nurse include as the primary characteristic associated with this disorder?
A) Abdominal distention
B) Frank blood in the stool
C) A change in bowel habits
D) Abdominal pain

Accepted Answer

A change in bowel habits, such as constipation or diarrhea, is the primary characteristic associated with colon cancer. Other symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal distention, and frank blood in the stool, but these are not always present and may be indicative of other conditions as well.

Quiz 46: Caring Forclients With Disorders of the Lower Gastrointestinal

When describing abdominal hernias to a group of nursing students, the instructor would identify which type as most common?

A nurse is caring for a client with diarrhea. Which of the following interventions would help to ensure that the client's perianal tissue remains intact?

A client is being treated for prolonged diarrhea. Which of the following foods should the nurse encourage the client to consume?

When interviewing a client with internal hemorrhoids, which of the following would the nurse expect the client to report?

A client with a pilonidal sinus undergoes surgery. Which of the following would the nurse include in the client's postoperative plan of care?

A client with a history of constipation is instructed to consume a high fiber diet. Which of the following if statement by the client as an appropriate food choice indicates the need for additional teaching?

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results of a client with Crohn's disease. Which of the following would the nurse most likely find?

After assessing a client with peritonitis, the nurse most likely would document the client's bowel sounds as:

When providing care for a client with diarrhea, the nurse instructs the client to avoid drinking with a straw based on the understanding that the straw:

A client with Crohn's disease is to receive prednisone as part of the treatment plan. Which of the following instructions would be appropriate?

A client is admitted with a diagnosis of acute appendicitis. When assessing the abdomen, the nurse would expect to find rebound tenderness at which location?

After teaching a group of students about intestinal obstruction, the instructor determines that the teaching was effective when the students identify which of the following as a cause of a functional obstruction?

A client realizes that regular use of laxatives has greatly improved his bowel pattern. However, the nurse cautions this client against the prolonged use of laxatives for which reason?

The nurse uses great caution when administering this drug based on the understanding of which of the following?

Which of the following clients would be at greatest risk for the development of an anorectal fistula?

The nurse would instruct a client who has an appendectomy to avoid which of the following?

A client with a hernia decides to manage the herniation with a truss. The nurse would emphasize which of the following?

Which of the following would the nurse identify as a characteristic finding when assessing a client for pilonidal sinus?

A client with Crohn's disease is prescribed medication therapy. Which of the following would the nurse expect to administer as a first line agent?

A nurse is preparing a presentation for a local community group of older adults about colon cancer. Which of the following would the nurse include as the primary characteristic associated with this disorder?