Gastrointestinal NCLEX Related

Review Gastrointestinal NCLEX related questions and content

The nurse is admitting a client to a medical floor with a diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the rectosigmoid colon. Which assessment data support this diagnosis?

  • A. The client reports up to 20 bloody stools per day.
  • B. The client has a feeling of fullness after a heavy meal.
  • C. The client has diarrhea alternating with constipation.
  • D. The client complains of right lower quadrant pain.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Alternating diarrhea and constipation are common in rectosigmoid colon cancer due to partial obstruction by the tumor. Frequent bloody stools are more typical of ulcerative colitis, fullness is nonspecific, and right lower quadrant pain is less likely with rectosigmoid involvement.