NURS 121 QCQ Constipation, Diarrhea, and Fecal Incontinence

A client reports having increased incidence of constipation. What can cause constipation?

All options are correct.

An older adult who resides in an assisted living facility has sought care from the nurse because of recurrent episodes of constipation. Which of the following actions should the nurse first perform?

Assess the client's food and fluid intake.

A nurse is working with a client who has chronic constipation. What should be included in client teaching to promote normal bowel function?

Consume high-residue, high-fiber foods.

An older adult client seeks help for chronic constipation. What factor related to aging can cause constipation in elderly clients?

Decreased abdominal strength

A client is reporting problems with constipation. What dietary suggestion can the nurse inform the client may help facilitate the passage of stool?

Increase dietary fiber.

As part of the management of constipation, the client is instructed to take 30 mL of mineral oil orally. How does mineral oil facilitate bowel evacuation?

Lubricates and softens fecal matter

The nurse is caring for an older adult patient experiencing fecal incontinence. When planning the care of this patient, what should the nurse designate as a priority goal?

Maintaining skin integrity

A client is being treated for prolonged diarrhea. Which foods should the nurse encourage the client to consume?

Potassium-rich foods

Which outcome indicates effective client teaching to prevent constipation?

The client reports engaging in a regular exercise regimen.

A client has been experiencing occasional episodes of constipation and has been unable to achieve consistent relief by increasing physical activity and improving the client's diet. When introducing the client to the use of laxatives, what teaching should the nurse emphasize?

The risk of becoming laxative-dependent

An older adult has a diagnosis of Alzheimer disease and has recently been experiencing fecal incontinence. However, the nurse has observed no recent change in the character of the client's stools. What is the nurse's most appropriate intervention?

Toilet the client on a frequent, scheduled basis.

The nurse is assessing a client for constipation. Which factor should the nurse review first to identify the cause of constipation?

Usual pattern of elimination

A resident at a long-term care facility lost the ability to swallow following a stroke 4 years ago. The client receives nutrition via a PEG tube, has adapted well to the tube feedings, and remains physically and socially active. Occasionally, the client develops constipation that requires administration of a laxative to restore regular bowel function. What is the most likely cause of this client's constipation?

lack of free water intake

The nurse is assessing a client for constipation. To identify the cause of constipation, the nurse should begin by reviewing the client's:

usual pattern of elimination.

A nurse is caring for a client with constipation whose primary provider has recommended senna for the management of this condition. The nurse should provide which of the following education points?

"Avoid taking the drug on a long-term basis."

A nurse is teaching an older adult client about good bowel habits. Which statement by the client indicates to the nurse that additional teaching is required?

"I need to use laxatives regularly to prevent constipation."