The nurse caring for several patients on the surgical unit of the hospital.The nurse knows that constipation can be a significant health hazard and encourages the postoperative patients to drink fluids.Which one of the following patients is most at risk from complications related to constipation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Constipation is a significant health hazard.Straining during defecation causes problems for patients with recent abdominal,gynecological,or rectal surgery.An effort to pass a stool can cause sutures to separate,reopening a wound.In addition,patients with cardiovascular disease,diseases causing elevated intraocular pressure (glaucoma),and increased intracranial pressure need to prevent constipation and avoid using the Valsalva maneuver.Constipation is most often caused by changes in diet,medications,mobility,inflammation,environmental factors (e.g.,unavailability of toilet facilities or lack of privacy),and lack of knowledge about regular bowel habits.

The Nurse Caring for Several Patients on the Surgical Unit