The nurse is caring for an older adult client. The client tells the nurse that he is constipated. What is the nurse's initial action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A)Many older adults believe that a daily bowel movement is important for health, which leads to an increased incidence of perceived constipation in older adults. The nurse should first carefully evaluate the client's concern and question the person as to what is meant by constipation. Determining the client's normal frequency of bowel movement, consistency of stool, and effort in passing stool is important before deciding to act. The other suggestions-achieving adequate fluid intake, exercising, including fiber in the diet, and using a laxative (and possibly an enema)-may be appropriate once the nurse has adequately assessed the client's concern of constipation.
B)Many older adults believe that a daily bowel movement is important for health, which leads to an increased incidence of perceived constipation in older adults. The nurse should first carefully evaluate the client's concern and question the person as to what is meant by constipation. Determining the client's normal frequency of bowel movement, consistency of stool, and effort in passing stool is important before deciding to act. The other suggestions-achieving adequate fluid intake, exercising, including fiber in the diet, and using a laxative (and possibly an enema)-may be appropriate once the nurse has adequately assessed the client's concern of constipation.
C)Many older adults believe that a daily bowel movement is important for health, which leads to an increased incidence of perceived constipation in older adults. The nurse should first carefully evaluate the client's concern and question the person as to what is meant by constipation. Determining the client's normal frequency of bowel movement, consistency of stool, and effort in passing stool is important before deciding to act. The other suggestions-achieving adequate fluid intake, exercising, including fiber in the diet, and using a laxative (and possibly an enema)-may be appropriate once the nurse has adequately assessed the client's concern of constipation.
D)Many older adults believe that a daily bowel movement is important for health, which leads to an increased incidence of perceived constipation in older adults. The nurse should first carefully evaluate the client's concern and question the person as to what is meant by constipation. Determining the client's normal frequency of bowel movement, consistency of stool, and effort in passing stool is important before deciding to act. The other suggestions-achieving adequate fluid intake, exercising, including fiber in the diet, and using a laxative (and possibly an enema)-may be appropriate once the nurse has adequately assessed the client's concern of constipation.

The Nurse Is Caring for an Older Adult Client