The Nurse Is Obtaining a Bowel Elimination History from an 80-Year-Old

The nurse is obtaining a bowel elimination history from an 80-year-old patient. The patient states, "Sometimes when I go to the bathroom, I push real hard, hold my breath, and plug my nose." Which action should the nurse take first?

A) Warn the patient, "You should not hold your breath while straining."
B) Assure the patient, "This does seem to help some people to have a bowel movement."
C) Check the patient's medical history for heart disease or glaucoma.
D) Notify the primary care provider that the patient has reported performing this action.