During the physical assessment, the nurse asks an elderly female patient if she experiences constipation. The nurse knows that

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

It is common for intestinal peristalsis to slow down as a person ages, causing problems with constipation. This can be due to decreased muscle tone, reduced physical activity, medications, and dehydration. It is important to assess for constipation in elderly patients and implement interventions such as increasing fluid and fiber intake, promoting physical activity, and providing stool softeners if necessary. It is not true that elderly patients always abuse laxatives or that they always have difficulty having a bowel movement while hospitalized. While the rectal sphincter may lose elasticity with age, this does not necessarily decrease the sensation of urgency.

During the Physical Assessment, the Nurse Asks an Elderly Female