d.Medical aseptic techniques are always
followed.
e.Handwashing is performed before and
after glove use when handling a stool
specimen.
f.Generally, 2 inches of formed stool or 20 to
30 mL of liquid stool is sufficient for a stool
specimen.
6.Which of the following statements accurately
describe the normal characteristics of stool
and special considerations for observation?
(Select all that apply.)
a.Consistently large diarrheal stools suggest a
disorder of the left colon or rectum.
b.The rapid rate of peristalsis in the breastfed
infant causes the stool to be yellow.
c.The absence of bile may cause the stool to
appear black.
d.Antacids in the diet cause the stool to be
whitish.
e.A gastrointestinal obstruction may result in
a narrow, pencil-shaped stool.
f.The odor of the stool is influenced by its
pH value, which normally is slightly acidic.
7.Which of the following statements accurately
describe the action of specific antidiarrheal
medications? (Select all that apply.)
a.Kaopectate does not interfere with the
absorption of other oral medications.
b.Imodium is an antimicrobial against bacter-
ial and viral pathogens.
c.Imodium is a nonaddictive antidiarrheal
medication that has a longer duration of
action than Lomotil.
d.Pepto-Bismol contains salicylates; a
physician should be consulted before giving
it to children or patients taking aspirin.
e.Paregoric contains morphine and may be
addictive.
f.Lomotil has a longer duration of action
than Imodium.
8.Which of the following commonly used
enema solutions distend the intestine and
increase peristalsis? (Select all that apply.)
a.Tap water
b.Soap
c.Normal saline
d.Mineral oile.Hypertonic
f.Olive oil
9.Which of the following is an accurate guideline
for inserting a rectal suppository? (Select all that
apply.)
a.Have the patient lie on his/her stomach
and pie-fold top linens over him.
b.Separate the buttocks and have the patient
relax by breathing through his mouth
while the suppository is being inserted.
c.Introduce the suppository just to the inter-
nal sphincter (4 inches for adults and
2 inches for children and infants).
d.Avoid embedding the suppository in the
fecal mass.
e.Encourage the patient to lie flat in order to
retain the suppository for 30 to 45 minutes.
f.Lubricate the suppository and fingertips to
reduce irritation to intestinal mucosa while
inserting the suppository.Prioritization Questions
1.Place the following guidelines for testing for
fecal occult blood in the order in which they
would normally occur:
a.Follow instructions based on the type of
test. Hemoccult slide test requires placing
2 drops of developer solution on the back
side of the specimen paper. The tablet test
directions include placing 2 to 3 drops of
tap water on the tablet, which is centered
on the stool specimen.
b.Instruct the patient about food and drug
restrictions at least 2 to 3 days before the
test if they apply.
c.Use tongue blades to transfer the stool to
the test tape or folder.
d.Document the test results according to
agency policy. A blue color is a positive
result and needs to be reported. Inform the
patient of the test results.
e.Collect the amount recommended for the
particular test (usually only a small amount
is required).
f.Inform the patient that multiple or serial
specimens are usually collected from differ-
ent bowel movements to verify results.
g.Wear gloves and perform hand hygiene if
collecting a specimen from a bedpan, com-
mode, or plastic receptacle.CHAPTER 38 BOWEL ELIMINATION 253
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