What would be the most effective action of the nurse when assisting an 85-year-old adult with weak abdominal muscles to defecate?
A) Encourage the use of a bedpan before getting up in the morning.
B) Place a footstool under the feet of the patient when seated on the toilet.
C) Insert a finger in the patient's rectum to stimulate the urge to defecate.
D) Instruct the patient to do isometric exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Placing a footstool under the patient's feet while seated on the toilet can help position the body in a way that facilitates easier defecation, particularly for individuals with weak abdominal muscles. Using a bedpan may not be the most effective option as it can be uncomfortable and may not provide the necessary support for the patient. Inserting a finger into the rectum should only be done by a healthcare provider and may not be necessary in this case. Instructing the patient to do isometric exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles may be helpful in preventing further muscle weakness, but may not provide immediate relief for constipation or difficulty with defecation.

What Would Be the Most Effective Action of the Nurse