An older client tells the nurse that in order to have a daily ...

[bobbysung]

An older client tells the nurse that in order to have a daily bowel movement, the client uses laxatives most days of the week. What should the nurse tell this client?
 
  1. Normal patterns of elimination are different for everyone.
  2. Increase fiber intake to 2035 grams a day.
  3. Engage in enjoyable exercise.
  4. Ignore the urge to have a bowel movement.
  5. Drink six to eight glasses of fluid daily.

Question 2

A client recovering from abdominal surgery is demonstrating abdominal distention from trapped flatus. What can the nurse do to help this client?
 
  1. Assist the client to move in bed.
  2. Restrict fluids.
  3. Obtain an order for a rectal tube.
  4. Provide a diet rich in foods that create flatulence.

[Jody Vaughn]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1, 2, 3, 5
Rationale 1: Older adults should be advised that normal patterns of bowel elimination vary considerably. For some, a normal pattern might be every other day; for others, twice a day.
Rationale 2: Constipation can be relieved by increasing the fiber intake to 2035 grams per day.
Rationale 3: Adequate exercise is a preventative measure for constipation.
Rationale 4: Responding to the gastrocolic reflex, and not ignoring it, also helps with constipation.
Rationale 5: Daily fluid intake of six to eight glasses is an essential preventive measure for constipation.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Activity does help with the expulsion of flatus; however, the client is recovering from abdominal surgery, and will not be able to participate in sufficient movement and exercise to pass the accumulated gas.
Rationale 2: Restricting fluids will not help with the expulsion of flatus.
Rationale 3: If excessive gas cannot be expelled through the anus, it might be necessary to insert a rectal tube to remove it.
Rationale 4: Providing a diet rich in foods that create flatulence will cause the problem to be worse.