During an admission physical assessment, a nurse questions a patient about their bowel

elimination pattern. The nurse may say, "Can you tell me your bowel regimen? Do you have a regular, bowel movement every day? What is the approximate time that you have a bowel

movement?" The nurse's goal is

The correct answer is choice b. Ascending colon.

Choice A rationale:

The sigmoid colon is the last part of the large intestine before the rectum. By this stage, the stool is usually well-formed as most water has been absorbed.

Choice B rationale:

The ascending colon is the first part of the large intestine where the stool is least formed. This is because it is the initial stage of the large intestine where water absorption begins, so the stool is still relatively liquid.

Choice C rationale:

The descending colon is further along the digestive tract, where more water has been absorbed, making the stool more formed compared to the ascending colon.

Choice D rationale:

The transverse colon is between the ascending and descending colons. While the stool here is more formed than in the ascending colon, it is less formed than in the descending and sigmoid colons.

Choice A This range of bowel sounds is considered normal. Hyperactive bowel sounds refer to an increased frequency and intensity of bowel sounds, exceeding the upper limit of the normal range.

Choice B Bowel sounds less than the normal range might indicate decreased bowel motility but are not associated with hyperactive bowel sounds.

Choice C Absent bowel sounds would be concerning and may indicate an ileus or other gastrointestinal issue, but it is not associated with hyperactive bowel sounds.

Choice D Hyperactive bowel sounds are characterized by an increased frequency and intensity of bowel sounds, exceeding the normal range, and are likely to be documented in a patient with abdominal pain.