The nurse assesses the postpartum patient who has not had a bowel movement by the third postpartum day. Which nursing intervention would be appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Obtaining an order for a stool softener would be an appropriate nursing intervention to promote bowel movements in a postpartum patient who has not had one by the third postpartum day. Encouraging patience or instructing the patient to eat a low-fiber diet would not promote bowel movements, and decreasing fluid intake could lead to dehydration and further exacerbate the issue.

The Nurse Assesses the Postpartum Patient Who Has Not Had