Question 1

Which of the following best describes the primary function of the large intestine?

Accepted Answer

Absorption of water, formation of feces, and expulsion of feces from the body

Question 2

A patient presents with black, tarry stools (melena). Which of the following is the most likely cause?

Accepted Answer

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding, such as from a peptic ulcer

Question 3

A nurse is teaching a patient about the Valsalva maneuver. Which of the following statements is correct regarding its physiological effects?

Accepted Answer

It may cause a vagal response, resulting in syncope due to decreased heart rate.

Question 4

Which of the following dietary recommendations is most appropriate for preventing constipation in a healthy adult?

Accepted Answer

Increase fiber intake to 25–38 g per day and fluid intake to at least 2,000 mL per day.

Question 5

A patient with a new ileostomy asks about foods that may cause a blockage. Which of the following foods should the nurse advise the patient to avoid?

Accepted Answer

Nuts, corn, and popcorn

Question 6

A nurse is caring for a patient with suspected Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection. Which of the following infection control measures is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Wear gloves and gowns for all patient contact and perform hand hygiene with soap and water

Question 7

Which of the following medications is most likely to cause constipation due to its action on enteric neurons in the GI tract?

Accepted Answer

Opioid analgesics

Question 8

A nurse is preparing a patient for a fecal occult blood test (gFOBT). Which of the following instructions should be included to reduce the risk of a false-positive result?

Accepted Answer

Avoid red meat, certain vegetables, and vitamin C supplements before the test.

Question 9

A patient with chronic diarrhea is at risk for which of the following complications if the condition is not properly managed?

Accepted Answer

Vascular collapse, hypovolemic shock, hypokalemia, and metabolic acidosis

Question 10

Which of the following is the most appropriate initial nursing intervention for a patient experiencing fecal incontinence?

Accepted Answer

Assist the patient to the bathroom or commode at regular intervals based on their pattern

Question 11

A nurse is assessing bowel sounds in a postoperative patient. Which finding would be most concerning and require further evaluation?

Accepted Answer

No bowel sounds heard after listening for 2 minutes in the epigastric and umbilical area

Question 12

A patient is scheduled for a colonoscopy. Which of the following pre-procedure instructions is most appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Follow a clear liquid diet for 48–72 hours before the procedure and complete the prescribed bowel prep.

Question 13

Which of the following statements about the external and internal anal sphincters is correct?

Accepted Answer

The internal sphincter is involuntary and controlled by the autonomic nervous system; the external sphincter is voluntary.

Question 14

A nurse is caring for a patient with a nasogastric (NG) tube for gastric decompression. Which of the following is the most reliable method to confirm correct tube placement before administering medications?

Accepted Answer

Radiographic (x-ray) confirmation

Question 15

A patient with lactose intolerance experiences diarrhea after consuming milk. Which physiological process best explains this reaction?

Accepted Answer

The small intestine pulls fluid into the bowel through osmosis to assist in moving the undigested lactose out of the body.

Question 16

A nurse is teaching a patient with a new colostomy about stoma care. Which of the following findings should be reported to the healthcare provider immediately?

Accepted Answer

Stoma is dark or purple-blue in color

Question 17

A patient is prescribed a bulk-forming laxative for chronic constipation. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to maximize effectiveness and safety?

Accepted Answer

Take the laxative with a full glass of water and increase fluid intake throughout the day.

Question 18

A nurse is caring for a patient with suspected bowel obstruction. Which of the following types of laxatives should be avoided due to the risk of perforation?

Accepted Answer

Bulk-forming laxatives such as psyllium

Question 19

A patient is experiencing increased flatulence and asks about dietary changes. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend the patient limit to reduce gas production?

Accepted Answer

Broccoli, beans, and carbonated drinks

Bowel Elimination: Anatomy, Physiology, Assessment, and Nursing Care

Study Guide - Practice Questions

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