The patient is a 74-year-old man who has been in the hospital for 4 days following an orthopedic surgical procedure.He is concerned because he has not moved his bowels every day as he did before surgery,but every other day.What action should the nurse take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reinforce with older adult patients that as long as the consistency of the stool remains normal and bowel movements occur with regularity,there is no need to have a bowel movement daily.Therefore,patients should not place themselves on laxatives to avoid constipation.
Patients should not place themselves on laxatives to avoid constipation.With increased age,transit time through the bowel increases,causing a normal lengthening of the time between bowel movements.The patient should already have a laxative order,but if he does not,the nurse should procure one if the patient is uncomfortable or as an "as needed" (PRN)medication in case the patient does become uncomfortable.

The Patient Is a 74-Year-Old Man Who Has Been in the Hospital