Functional Bowel Alterations

Question 1

Constipation is defined as …

Answer 1

Less than 3 bowel movements per week

Question 2

What are the manifestations of constipation? (3)

Answer 2

• Abdominal distention
• Bloating
• Tenesmus

Question 3

What is tenesmus?

Answer 3

Ineffective / painful straining while trying to eliminate feces

Question 4

What are the possible complications of constipation? (4)

Answer 4

• Valsalva maneuver
• Magacolon
• Hemorrhoids
• Rectal prolapse

Question 5

What is the valsalva maneuver?

Answer 5

Increased thoracic pressure due to straining

Question 6

The valsalva maneuver can cause … (3)

Answer 6

• Hypotension
• Dizziness
• Syncope

Question 7

What is megacolon?

Answer 7

Dilated colon caused by fecal obstruction

Question 8

Megacolon can cause … (2)

Answer 8

• Bowel perforation
• Peritonitis

Question 9

What are hemorrhoids?

Answer 9

Dilated portions of anal veins

Question 10

Patients in long-term care facilities are more likely to suffer from ______

Answer 10

Constipation

Question 11

Describe the gerontological considerations associated with constipation (3)

Answer 11

• Weakened abdominal / pelvic floor muscles
• Laxative dependency
• Immobility

Question 12

Describe the education associated with constipation (3)

Answer 12

• Kegel exercises
• Increase fiber intake
• Increase fluid intake

Question 13

Diarrhea is defined as …

Answer 13

More than 3 bowel movements per day

Question 14

Inflammatory diarrhea has a ______ stool volume

Answer 14

Small

Question 15

Non-inflammatory diarrhea has a ______ stool volume

Answer 15

Large

Question 16

What are the causes of acute diarrhea? (2)

Answer 16

• Viral infections
• Medications

Question 17

What are the causes of chronic
diarrhea? (4)

Answer 17

• Chemotherapy
• Celiac disease
• Lactose intolerance
• Medications

Question 18

Describe the pathophysiology of osmotic diarrhea

Answer 18

Water is pulled into the intestines by osmotic pressure of unabsorbed particles

Question 19

What is borborygmus?

Answer 19

Rumbling noise caused by movement of gas through the intestines

Question 20

What are the possible complications of diarrhea? (4)

Answer 20

• Dehydration
• Electrolyte deficits
• Bicarbonate deficits
• Irritant dermatitis

Question 21

Older adults are more likely to suffer from what conditions associated with diarrhea? (3)

Answer 21

• Dehydration
• Hypokalemia
• Excoriation

Question 22

What is the primary diagnostic test associated with diarrhea?

Answer 22

Basic metabolic panel

Question 23

Medications for diarrhea should only be for ______ use

Answer 23

Short-term