Lecture Exam 1 Pt2

Increased pressure to the area can cause them.

The patient presents with symptoms such as abdominal cramps, frequent watery stools, and hyperactive bowel sounds, which are indicative of diarrhea. These symptoms are commonly associated with factors such as stress, long-term use of antibiotics, and bacterial infection in the intestinal tract. Therefore, the correct answer is diarrhea.

The given answer, "Dry hard stools," is the correct explanation for the symptom "Constipation." Constipation refers to difficulty in passing stools or infrequent bowel movements. Dry hard stools are a common characteristic of constipation, as the stool becomes hard and dry due to reduced water content and slower movement through the intestines. This can be caused by factors such as inadequate fiber intake, dehydration, lack of physical activity, or certain medications.

If something stays in a place for a longer period of time, it will undergo a process called solidification, where it transitions from a liquid state to a solid state. This means that the substance will become more solid over time.

Dilated veins in the rectum or at the anus are called hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids occur when the veins in the lower rectum or anus become swollen and inflamed, causing discomfort and sometimes bleeding. They can be internal or external and are often caused by increased pressure in the rectal area, such as straining during bowel movements, pregnancy, or prolonged sitting. Hemorrhoids are a common condition and can usually be managed with lifestyle changes, over-the-counter creams, and in some cases, medical procedures.

The correct answer is "all the above" because both paralysis and poor sphincter control can be physiologic causes for bowel incontinence. Paralysis can disrupt the normal functioning of the muscles involved in bowel control, while poor sphincter control can lead to the inability to properly hold in stool. Therefore, both conditions can contribute to bowel incontinence.

Fecal impaction is an extension of constipation where the stool becomes too large to pass. This causes the lower sigmoid and/or rectum to dilate as the collection of fecal matter gets bigger. Fecal impaction refers to the hardening and compacting of stool in the rectum and colon, leading to a blockage that prevents normal bowel movements.

The given correct answer is "both." This suggests that the subject being referred to can be classified as both internal and external. Without further context, it is difficult to determine the specific subject being discussed. However, this answer implies that there are characteristics or aspects of the subject that can be categorized as internal and others that can be categorized as external.

A patient with the nursing diagnosis of diarrhea is at risk for deficient fluid volume because diarrhea can lead to excessive fluid loss from the body. Diarrhea causes frequent loose or watery stools, which can result in dehydration if the lost fluids are not adequately replaced. Therefore, monitoring the patient's fluid intake and output, as well as assessing for signs of dehydration, is crucial in managing the patient's condition and preventing further complications.

The given answer suggests that constipation can be caused by decreased activity, a low fiber diet, decreased fluid intake, and opiate use. These factors can contribute to a slower movement of stool through the digestive system, leading to difficulty in passing stool. Decreased activity can result in a sluggish digestive system, while a low fiber diet and decreased fluid intake can lead to harder and drier stool. Opiate use can also cause constipation by slowing down the movement of the intestines.

Side effects from medications can influence the occurrence of diarrhea and constipation. Certain medications, such as antibiotics, antacids, and opioids, can disrupt the normal functioning of the digestive system and lead to these symptoms. Antibiotics can disturb the balance of bacteria in the gut, causing diarrhea, while opioids can slow down bowel movements and cause constipation. Therefore, the side effects of medications can play a significant role in the development of diarrhea and constipation.

The correct answer is occult blood. A guaiac test of stool is a diagnostic test used to detect the presence of hidden or occult blood in the stool. Occult blood refers to blood that is not visible to the naked eye but can be detected through chemical reactions. This test is commonly used to screen for gastrointestinal bleeding and can help identify conditions such as colorectal cancer, ulcers, or polyps. Bile, bacteria, and viruses are not typically detected in a guaiac test of stool.

A paralytic ileus is a condition characterized by the inability of the intestines to contract and move the food through the digestive system. The lack of bowel sounds upon auscultation is a classic sign of a paralytic ileus. Normally, the intestines produce sounds as a result of the movement of food and gas. However, in a paralytic ileus, the intestines are not functioning properly, leading to the absence of these sounds. This can be an indication of a serious bowel obstruction or paralysis of the intestines.

When collecting a bowel elimination history for a new patient with a possible bowel obstruction, the question about the last time the patient moved their bowels takes priority because it provides crucial information about the current status of bowel movements. It helps determine if there has been a recent bowel movement or if there is a potential obstruction causing a lack of bowel movement. This information is important for further evaluation and diagnosis of the patient's condition.

Prolonged diarrhea can lead to frequent bowel movements and increased moisture in the perineal area, which can cause skin breakdown and irritation. This can result in impaired skin condition, such as redness, rash, or even pressure ulcers. Therefore, patients with prolonged diarrhea are at risk for impaired skin condition.

The expected color of stool for a patient admitted with a diagnosis of UGI (upper gastrointestinal) bleed would be black. This is because when there is bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract, the blood gets digested and turns black as it passes through the digestive system. This black color is known as melena and is a characteristic sign of UGI bleeding. It occurs due to the breakdown of hemoglobin in the blood. Therefore, black stool is expected in this scenario.

Defecation is under both voluntary and involuntary control. The process of elimination of waste material from the body can be consciously controlled by the individual through voluntary muscle contractions. However, it is also regulated by involuntary reflexes in the body, such as the gastrocolic reflex, which triggers the urge to defecate. Therefore, defecation is a combination of voluntary and involuntary actions.

Bright red tinged stool is a symptom that would indicate that the patient is experiencing lower gastrointestinal (LGI) bleeding. This is because the bright red color indicates that the blood is fresh and has not had time to be digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract. LGI bleeding typically occurs in the colon or rectum, and the blood mixes with the stool, causing it to appear bright red. Tarry colored stool, green muccoid stool, and brown stool are not indicative of LGI bleeding.

The most appropriate outcome for a hospitalized patient with the nursing diagnosis of diarrhea is to have formed stools. This indicates that the patient's bowel movements have returned to a normal consistency, which is a positive sign of improvement. Having formed stools suggests that the underlying cause of the diarrhea has been resolved or effectively managed. It is important for the patient to continue monitoring their bowel movements and report any changes to their healthcare provider.

The primary determinant of diarrhea is consistency. Diarrhea is characterized by loose, watery stools, which is a result of increased fluid content in the feces. The consistency of the stool is a key factor in diagnosing and determining the severity of diarrhea. Changes in consistency can be indicative of various causes such as infections, food intolerances, or underlying medical conditions. Monitoring the consistency of stools is crucial in assessing and managing diarrhea effectively.

The final formation of feces occurs in the large intestine. This is where water is absorbed from the remaining undigested food, and the waste material is compacted into solid feces. The large intestine also houses bacteria that help break down any remaining nutrients and produce certain vitamins. The rectum is responsible for storing feces until it is eliminated from the body. The small intestine primarily absorbs nutrients from the digested food.

A person who is disoriented to time, place, and person would be at the highest risk for bowel incontinence. Disorientation is often associated with cognitive impairment or dementia, which can affect a person's ability to recognize and respond to the body's signals for bowel movements. This can lead to accidents and loss of bowel control. While age and receiving multiple antibiotics may also contribute to bowel incontinence, disorientation is a more significant risk factor as it directly affects the person's cognitive functioning and ability to manage their bodily functions.