Author Question: A nurse prepares a client for a colonoscopy scheduled for tomorrow. The client states, My doctor ... (Read 78 times)

cdr_15 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A nurse prepares a client for a colonoscopy scheduled for tomorrow. The client states, My doctor told me that the fecal occult blood test was negative for colon cancer. I don't think I need the colonoscopy and would like to cancel it.

How should the nurse respond?

a.
Your doctor should not have given you that information prior to the colonoscopy.
b.
The colonoscopy is required due to the high percentage of false negatives with the blood test.
c.
A negative fecal occult blood test does not rule out the possibility of colon cancer.
d.
I will contact your doctor so that you can discuss your concerns about the procedure.

Question 2

A nurse assessing a client with colorectal cancer auscultates high-pitched bowel sounds and notes the presence of visible peristaltic waves. Which action should the nurse take?

a. Ask if the client is experiencing pain in the right shoulder.
b. Perform a rectal examination and assess for polyps.
c. Contact the provider and recommend computed tomography.
d. Administer a laxative to increase bowel movement activity.

af · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
A negative result from a fecal occult blood test does not completely rule out the possibility of colon cancer. To determine whether the client has colon cancer, a colonoscopy should be performed so the entire colon can be visualized and a tissue sample taken for biopsy. The client may want to speak with the provider, but the nurse should address the client's concerns prior to contacting the provider.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The presence of visible peristaltic waves, accompanied by high-pitched or tingling bowel sounds, is indicative of partial obstruction caused by the tumor. The nurse should contact the provider with these results and recommend a computed tomography scan for further diagnostic testing. This assessment finding is not associated with right shoulder pain; peritonitis and cholecystitis are associated with referred pain to the right shoulder. The registered nurse is not qualified to complete a rectal examination for polyps, and laxatives would not help this client.