Which of the following is a true statement about elimination in older adults?
A) Defecation less than once each day is not necessarily constipation.
B) Mineral oil is recommended as a laxative for the older adult.
C) Excessive sleep can be a symptom of constipation.
D) Leaking liquid feces should be treated as diarrhea.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Constipation is present when fewer than three bowel movements occur per week or when the frequency decreases.Mineral oil and saline laxatives can be harmful.Fiber,fruit,and fluids are the first recommendations; stimulant laxatives such as senna and cascara can be used on a short-term basis.Altered cognitive status,increased agitation,and unexplained falls can be symptoms of constipation; these behaviors may be the only clinical symptom of constipation in cognitively impaired older persons.Excessive sleep has not been identified as a symptom.Liquid feces may be leaking around a fecal impaction,and antidiarrheal treatment can aggravate the impaction.

Which of the Following Is a True Statement About Elimination