Changes in Bowel Habits and Stool Characteristics Quiz

What are the four steps involved in the abdominal physical examination?

Inspection, Auscultation, Percussion, Palpation (correct)

Visualizing, Listening, Knocking, Feeling

Touching, Smelling, Tasting, Hearing

Observation, Digestion, Respiration, Palpation

Why are lesions of particular importance during abdominal inspection?

They indicate a need for immediate surgery

They show normal abdominal structure

They are related to skin changes caused by GI diseases (correct)

They represent a sign of good health

What is assessed in the evaluation of the current nutritional status?

Daily food intake (correct)

History of tobacco use

Blood pressure

Heart rate

Why is obtaining a history of tobacco and alcohol use important during assessment?

To gather details about type and amount of substance use Signup and view all the answers

How is the abdomen divided for examination purposes?

Into nine regions Signup and view all the answers

What lab tests are included in the assessment of current nutritional status?

Complete metabolic panel including liver function studies Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of diarrhea?

Increase in frequency and liquidity of stool Signup and view all the answers

Which stool characteristic is associated with anal discomfort and rectal bleeding?

Constipation Signup and view all the answers

What is the cause of light-gray or clay-colored stools?

Decrease or absence of conjugated bilirubin Signup and view all the answers

Which substance can cause black stools?

Bismuth Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a question a nurse would typically ask during a patient's past health history?

Patient's preferred toothpaste brand Signup and view all the answers

Which stool characteristic is described as 'small, dry, rock-hard masses occasionally streaked with blood'?

Constipation Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of abdominal percussion in a physical examination?

To assess the size and density of abdominal organs Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the absence of bowel sounds in a physical examination?

Absent Signup and view all the answers

What position is commonly used for rectal examination in women as part of a gynecologic examination?

Knee-chest Signup and view all the answers

What type of sound is heard over organs and solid masses during abdominal palpation?

Dull Signup and view all the answers

For what purpose is deep palpation used in a physical examination?

To identify masses Signup and view all the answers

How many bowel sounds indicate a hyperactive state during abdominal auscultation?

Five to six sounds in less than 30 seconds Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the upper gastrointestinal fibroscopy procedure?

To visualize the esophageal, gastric, and duodenal mucosa using a lighted endoscope. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the anticholinergic (AtSO4) medication ordered before the procedure?

To reduce mucus secretions and depress the gag reflex. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the local spray anesthetic applied to the posterior pharynx?

To depress the gag reflex and facilitate the passage of the endoscope. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the side-lying position after the procedure?

To prevent aspiration of secretions or vomitus. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the NPO (nothing by mouth) order before the procedure?

To prevent the patient from having any food or drink before the procedure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of advising the patient to avoid driving for 12 hours after the procedure?

To allow the patient to recover from any sedation used during the procedure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the Guaiac Stool Examination?

To detect GI bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What is the reason for withholding iron, steroids, indomethacin, and colchicine before a Stool Guaiac test?

They cause black or greenish discoloration of the stool Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using a CT Scan in the context of gastrointestinal assessment?

To assess the cross-section of the body Signup and view all the answers

What is a nursing responsibility during a Bernstein Test?

Alternate instillation of NSS and 0.1% HCl Signup and view all the answers

What does a positive result in a Bernstein Test indicate?

Presence of chest pain related to gastroesophageal reflux Signup and view all the answers

Why are stool specimens taken over 3 successive days in fecal analysis?

To detect presence of parasites Signup and view all the answers