The nurse is caring for a patient who has been on bed rest for several weeks.The nurse notes that the patient is continually seeping liquid stool rectally.What action should the nurse take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Continual seepage of diarrhea may occur with an impaction,and a digital rectal examination can verify its presence.Diarrhea is often due to diet or antibiotic use,which alters the normal flora in the gastrointestinal tract.However,a physician's order is required to change these,and continual seepage of stool is more likely the result of impaction; this should be ruled out first.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Has Been