An older adult patient on bed rest has been eating poorly. The patient is exhibiting abdominal distention and cramping and is passing small amounts of liquid stool. The nurse assesses these signs as an indication of:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Abdominal distention, cramping, and passage of small amounts of liquid stool are signs and symptoms of fecal impaction. The risk factors that contribute to this are bed rest, not eating a normal diet, and the use of pain medication.

An Older Adult Patient on Bed Rest Has Been Eating