Question 1

A 75-year-old patient presents with complaints of infrequent, hard stools and abdominal discomfort. Which of the following is the most likely contributing factor to constipation in this older adult?

Accepted Answer

Decreased colonic motility due to aging and reduced mobility

Question 2

Which of the following anatomical structures is located in the right upper quadrant (RUQ) of the abdomen?

Accepted Answer

Gallbladder

Question 3

A patient is diagnosed with a mechanical bowel obstruction. Which of the following best describes this condition?

Accepted Answer

Obstructive emptying due to a physical blockage such as a tumor or inflammation

Question 4

Which of the following is NOT a common sign or symptom of constipation?

Accepted Answer

Frequent watery diarrhea

Question 5

A 60-year-old woman is experiencing constipation. She reports a low-fibre diet and inadequate water intake. According to recommended guidelines, what is the daily fibre intake for women to help prevent constipation?

Accepted Answer

$$25\ \mathrm{mg/day}$$

Question 6

Which of the following best describes normal bowel function in adults?

Accepted Answer

Passing a bowel motion as much as three times per day or as little as once every three days, without straining

Question 7

A patient is prescribed a stimulant laxative for constipation. What is the primary mode of action of stimulant laxatives?

Accepted Answer

They stimulate peristalsis by irritating the intestinal mucosa

Question 8

Which of the following is a common cause of nausea and vomiting that is related to increased intracranial pressure?

Accepted Answer

Raised intracranial pressure

Question 9

In infants, which anatomical feature is most prominent on the abdomen at birth?

Accepted Answer

Umbilical cord

Question 10

A patient with a history of opioid use presents with constipation. Which of the following is the most likely mechanism by which opioids cause constipation?

Accepted Answer

Opioids slow colonic motility and increase water reabsorption

Question 11

Which of the following is a recommended daily fluid intake for adult men to help prevent constipation?

Accepted Answer

$$2.6\ \mathrm{L/day}$$

Question 12

A 70-year-old patient is unable to distinguish between the urge to pass solids, liquids, or gas. Which age-related change is most likely responsible for this symptom?

Accepted Answer

Diminished ability to discriminate between different bowel urges

Question 13

Which of the following is a subjective data point you would collect during a gastrointestinal assessment?

Accepted Answer

Patient's report of nausea

Question 14

A patient presents with abdominal distension, vomiting, and inability to pass stool or gas. Which condition should be suspected?

Accepted Answer

Bowel obstruction

Question 15

Which of the following is a recommended non-pharmacological management strategy for constipation?

Accepted Answer

Increasing dietary fibre and fluid intake

Question 16

A 45-year-old patient is diagnosed with a partial small bowel obstruction. Which of the following is the most appropriate initial management step?

Accepted Answer

Initiate nil by mouth (NPO) and monitor for signs of complete obstruction

Question 17

Which of the following is a plausible adverse effect of using an osmotic laxative for constipation management?

Accepted Answer

Nausea and diarrhoea

Question 18

A patient with hypothyroidism is experiencing constipation. Which of the following best explains the relationship between hypothyroidism and constipation?

Accepted Answer

Hypothyroidism decreases metabolic rate, leading to slower bowel transit

Question 19

Which of the following is a key difference in the abdominal anatomy of infants compared to adults?

Accepted Answer

The urinary bladder is located higher in the abdomen in infants

Question 20

A patient is being assessed for bowel function. According to the definition of constipation, which of the following best meets the criteria?

Accepted Answer

Difficulty passing stools or fewer than two stools per week

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Anatomy, Physiology, and Clinical Considerations

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