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A female patient is recovering from abdominal surgery 2 days ago. Her abdomen is distended and firm, and she complains of moderate to severe cramping and abdominal discomfort. As of yet, she has been unable to pass much flatus rectally. Which type of enema would be most helpful to this patient?
- A. Fleet Phospho-Soda enema
- B. Oil retention enema
- C. Harris flush enema
- D. Small-volume enema
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A Harris flush enema is effective for relieving gas and distention by promoting flatus expulsion.
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Which of the following signs and symptoms may be an indication of vagal stimulation during the digital removal of an impaction?
- A. Complaint of rectal pressure
- B. Pulse rate of 42 beats per minute
- C. Complaint of difficulty breathing
- D. Moist skin
- E. Complaint of abdominal cramping
- F. Complaint of feeling faint
Correct Answer: B,F
Rationale: Vagal stimulation can cause bradycardia (pulse 42 bpm) and syncope (feeling faint) due to vagus nerve activation.
Which of the following would be the most accurate statement about digestion and elimination?
- A. All individuals have at least one bowel movement daily
- B. An infant may have up to six bowel movements daily
- C. GI peristalsis increases with age, making incontinence a normal finding
- D. A stool is only considered normal if the color is a shade of brown
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Infants may have up to six bowel movements daily due to their immature digestive systems.
Which of the following factors is most likely to result in diarrhea?
- A. Loss of intestinal normal flora
- B. Drinking excessive fluids
- C. Administration of opioid narcotics
- D. Manipulation of intestines during colon surgery
- E. Eating 10 to 15 g of fiber per day
Correct Answer: A,D
Rationale: Loss of normal flora (e.g., from antibiotics) and surgical manipulation can disrupt bowel function, leading to diarrhea.
The patient is to receive a cleansing enema for relief of constipation. Which of the following factors must be assessed prior to administration of the enema?
- A. Type of solution to administer
- B. Date of last bowel movement
- C. Type of diet the patient has been receiving
- D. Assessment of bowel sounds
- E. The patient's temperature
Correct Answer: B,D
Rationale: Assessing the last bowel movement and bowel sounds ensures the enema is appropriate and safe for the patient.
What of the following would be the best enema to administer to a patient before digital removal of an impaction?
- A. Siphon enema
- B. Oil retention enema
- C. Soapsuds enema
- D. Harris flush enema
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An oil retention enema softens the fecal mass, facilitating easier and safer digital removal of an impaction.