A patient states, Sometimes I have trouble with constipation and have to take a laxative. Discussing ways to help avoid constipation, the nurse replies,
Because an individual commonly gets the urge to have a bowel movement about 30 minutes after eating, it is important to
1. Not ignore the defecation reflex.
2. Not skip meals when having a bowel movement.
3. Decrease fluids when you increase the amount of fiber in your meal.
4. Notify your physician if you do not experience that urge after every meal.
Question 2
A female patient has been admitted with ulcerative colitis. The nurse knows that when the condition exacerbates, the patient's stools will most likely
1. Be black, tarry, and odiferous.
2. Float, and be odorless and bloody.
3. Contain pus, mucus, and blood.
4. Be soft, but ribbon shaped.