The nurse is caring for a patient after a barium enema. When assessing the patient's subsequent bowel patterns and stools, what finding will the nurse report to the health care provider?
Large, bulky stools
Three formed stools in eight hours
Streaks of blood present in the stool
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Large, bulky stools are not uncommon after a barium enema, as the barium can cause temporary changes in stool consistency and volume. This finding would not necessarily warrant immediate reporting to the healthcare provider unless there are other concerning symptoms.
Choice B reason: Three formed stools in eight hours may indicate increased bowel activity but is not an unusual finding after a barium enema. This would not typically be a cause for concern unless accompanied by other symptoms.
Choice C reason: Streaks of blood present in the stool is a concerning finding that should be reported to the healthcare provider. The presence of blood may indicate mucosal injury, inflammation, or other complications that need to be addressed promptly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Family history of common bile duct disorder is not a known trigger for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder with multifactorial causes, including but not limited to genetics, gut-brain axis, and environmental factors. Bile duct disorders and IBS have different pathophysiological mechanisms and are not directly linked.
Choice B reason: The frequent occurrence of blood in the stool is not a cause of IBS. Blood in the stool is more indicative of other gastrointestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, or haemorrhoids. IBS is characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits without organic pathology such as bleeding.
Choice C reason: While there is some evidence suggesting that individuals with a family history of psychiatric disorders and food allergies may have a higher prevalence of IBS, it is not the main cause. These factors may contribute to the onset and exacerbation of symptoms but are part of a broader spectrum of triggers, including genetics, stress, and gut microbiota.
Choice D reason: Environmental and psychosocial factors are indeed associated with the onset of IBS. Factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, and traumatic life events can play a significant role in the development and exacerbation of IBS symptoms. Additionally, environmental factors like diet, infections, and changes in gut microbiota are known to influence IBS. This choice aligns with current evidence-based understanding of the condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Respiratory alkalosis with partial compensation is characterized by a high pH, low PaCO2, and a compensatory decrease in HCO3. In this case, the pH is high (alkaline), PaCO2 is high, and HCO3 is elevated, indicating that the primary disorder is metabolic alkalosis, not respiratory alkalosis.
Choice B reason: Metabolic alkalosis with partial compensation is indicated by a high pH (alkaline), high HCO3 (bicarbonate), and a high PaCO2 (carbon dioxide) as a compensatory mechanism by the respiratory system. In this case, the pH is 7.52 (alkaline), PaCO2 is 55 mmHg, and HCO3 is 30 mEq/L, which fits the profile of metabolic alkalosis with the respiratory system attempting to compensate by retaining CO2.
Choice C reason: Metabolic alkalosis with no compensation would present with a high pH and high HCO3, but normal PaCO2. In this case, the PaCO2 is elevated, indicating that there is some level of respiratory compensation occurring, which rules out the "no compensation" scenario.
Choice D reason: Metabolic acidosis with partial compensation would present with a low pH, low HCO3, and low PaCO2 as a compensatory mechanism. In this case, the pH is high (alkaline), not low, which is inconsistent with metabolic acidosis.
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