Which of the following complaints by the 80-year-old resident ...

[aabwk4]

Which of the following complaints by the 80-year-old resident would indicate a need for the nurse to complete a focused bowel assessment on the resident?
 
  a. The inability to have a bowel movement every day
  b. Feeling pressure and fullness in the rectum but is unable to defecate
  c. Having had one loose stool after breakfast
  d. Ingestion and flatulence

Question 2

The patient has begun taking psyllium (Metamucil). What advice should be given to the patient?
 
  a. Eat several servings of fresh fruit and vegetables a day.
  b. Avoid citrus fruit juices.
  c. Reduce intake of carbonated drinks.
  d. Increase his fluid intake to 3000 mL a day.

[Carissamariew]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Feelings of pressure and fullness without being able to defecate may indicate a fecal impaction or rectal cancer. One loose stool does not represent diarrhea. Indigestion and flatulence are common in the older adult.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Increased fluid intake is essential to dissolve the fiber in this drug completely; otherwise, fecal impaction can occur.