An 85-year-old patient says to the nurse, "I don't notice the sensation that I need to defecate as often as I noticed it in the past." A nurse's best response to this statement is which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

As a person ages, their rectum tends to lose tone and there is a reduced sensation to defecate. This is a common age-related change that can result in constipation. Option A is incorrect as slowed intestinal absorption is not a normal part of aging. Option C is incorrect as colonoscopy is not indicated in this scenario. Option D is also incorrect as there is no association between reduced vitamin K absorption and reduced sensation to defecate.

An 85-Year-Old Patient Says to the Nurse, "I Don't Notice