The nurse observes a continual oozing of stool from the rectum of a patient who has been immobilized following surgery.The nurse recognizes that this condition most likely a result of which of the following?

A) Diarrhea
B) Flatulence
C) Fecal impaction
D) The Valsalva maneuver

An obvious sign of impaction is the inability to pass a stool for several days,despite a repeated urge to defecate.Continuous oozing of liquid stool after several days with no fecal output may indicate an impaction.Loss of appetite,abdominal distention and cramping,nausea and/or vomiting,and rectal pain also occur.Diarrhea is an increased frequency in the passage of loose stools.Flatulence is a sense of bloating and abdominal distention usually accompanied by excess gas.The Valsalva maneuver occurs when pressure is exerted to expel feces through a voluntary contraction of the abdominal muscles while maintaining forced expiration against a closed airway.