An older adult is admitted through the emergency department with complaints of nausea,abdominal tenderness,and continual stooling.On assessment,the nurse notes abdominal distention,smearing of stool on undergarments,and hypoactive bowel sounds LUQ and LLQ.The patient is unable to determine when the last bowel movement was.What is the nurse's priority assessment?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms, including abdominal tenderness, continual stooling, and smearing of stool on undergarments, suggest an impaction as the priority assessment. The hypoactive bowel sounds LUQ and LLQ add to the suspicion of an impaction, which can cause stool to build up and lead to bowel obstruction. The nurse should assess for signs of impaction, such as rectal examination, to confirm the diagnosis and initiate appropriate interventions. While the patient's history of GI disease and possible laxative abuse may contribute to the development of an impaction, they are not the priority assessment in this scenario. Signs and symptoms of infection may be present, but do not take precedence over assessing for the impaction.

An Older Adult Is Admitted Through the Emergency Department with Complaints