Asked by Savannah Walters on Jul 11, 2024
Verified
The nurse is called to Mr.Martinez's room to assess his first bowel movement after surgery.While he has indicated feelings of urgency over the last few days,he has not had a bowel movement in 6 days.Upon investigation,the nurse finds a very small amount of liquid stool.What would the nurse conclude?
A) Mr.Martinez is constipated.
B) Mr.Martinez has fecal impaction.
C) Mr.Martinez has diarrhea.
D) Mr.Martinez has fecal incontinence.
Fecal Impaction
A mass or collection of hardened, putty-like feces in the folds of the rectum
Bowel Movement
The act of excreting waste from the digestive tract through the rectum.
Liquid Stool
Fecal matter that is in a liquid form, often indicating gastrointestinal problems or infections.
- Provide effective nursing care for patients with constipation, diarrhea, and fecal impaction.
Verified Answer
ZK
Zybrea KnightJul 14, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
The presence of a very small amount of liquid stool after a period of no bowel movements (6 days) and feelings of urgency suggests fecal impaction. Fecal impaction can cause a blockage, where only liquid stool is able to pass around the impacted stool.
Learning Objectives
- Provide effective nursing care for patients with constipation, diarrhea, and fecal impaction.