A patient with a hip fracture is having difficulty defecating into a bed pan while lying in bed.Which action by the nurse would assist the patient in having a successful bowel movement?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Lying in bed is an unnatural position; raising the head of the bed assists the patient into a more normal position that allows proper contraction of muscles for elimination.Laxatives would not give the patient control over bowel movements.A barium enema is a diagnostic test,not an intervention to promote defecation.Pain relief measures should be given; however,preventative action should be taken to prevent constipation.

A Patient with a Hip Fracture Is Having Difficulty Defecating