8.Which of the following drugs acts by increas-
ing intestinal bulk to enhance mechanical
stimulation of the intestine?
a.Cascara
b.Bisacodyl
c.Magnesium sulfate
d.PhenolphthaleinALTERNATE-FORMAT QUESTIONS
Multiple Response Questions
Circle the letters that correspond to the best
answers for each question.
1.Which of the following statements regarding
the internal and external sphincter are
accurate? (Select all that apply.)
a.Both sphincters control the discharge of
feces and intestinal gas.
b.The internal sphincter consists of voluntary
smooth muscle tissue.
c.The internal sphincter is innervated by the
autonomic nervous system.
d.Motor impulses are carried by the sympa-
thetic system and inhibitory impulses by
the parasympathetic system.
e.The external sphincter at the anus has stri-
ated muscle tissue and is not under volun-
tary control.
f.The levator ani muscle reinforces the
actions of the external sphincter.
2.Which of the following statements accurately
describe the elimination patterns of the age
group specified? (Select all that apply.)
a.Voluntary control of defecation becomes
possible between the ages of 12 and
18 months.
b.The number of stools that infants pass
varies greatly.
c.Some children have bowel movements only
every 2 or 3 days.
d.Parents should be taught that a child who
has not had a bowel movement daily is
most likely constipated.
e.In an infant, a liquid stool signifies
diarrhea.
f.Constipation is often a chronic problem for
older adults.3.Which of the following statements accurately
describe the effect of foods and fluids on
bowel elimination? (Select all that apply.)
a.People who lack the enzyme lactase may
experience diarrhea or gas when consuming
starchy foods.
b.A person who is constipated should eat
eggs and pasta to relieve the condition.
c.Fruits and vegetables have a laxative
effect.
d.Gas-producing foods include cauliflower
and onions.
e.Alcohol and coffee tend to have a constipat-
ing effect.
f.Food intolerances may alter bowel
elimination.
4.Which of the following actions would be per-
formed when assessing bowel elimination?
(Select all that apply.)
a.The nurse palpates the abdomen before
inspection and auscultation are performed.
b.The nurse places the patient in the supine
position with the abdomen exposed.
c.The nurse drapes the patient’s chest and
pubic area and extends the patient’s legs
flat against the bed.
d.The nurse encourages the patient to drink
fluids before the assessment so that the
bladder is full and can be examined.
e.The nurse uses a warmed stethoscope to
listen for bowel sounds in all abdominal
quadrants.
f.The nurse notes the character of bowel
sounds, which are normally high-pitched,
gurgling, and soft.
5.Which of the following measures are appropri-
ate when a nurse collects a stool specimen?
(Select all that apply.)
a.The patient should be asked to void first
because the lab study may be inaccurate if
the stool contains urine.
b.The patient should be asked to defecate
into a clean bedpan or toilet bowl, depend-
ing on the nature of the study.
c.The patient should be instructed not to
place toilet tissue in the bedpan or specimen
container.252 UNIT VII PROMOTING HEALTHY PHYSIOLOGIC RESPONSES
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