The patient is a 74-year-old man who has been in the hospital for 4 days following an orthopedic surgical procedure.He is concerned because he has not moved his bowels every day as he did before surgery,but every other day.Which response made by the nurse is appropriate?
A)Advise the patient to put himself on over-the-counter laxatives.
B)Instruct the patient that daily bowel movements are not always necessary.
C)Educate the patient that with increasing age,his bowel movements should increase in frequency.
D)Inform the patient that he will call to get a laxative to get him back on track.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reinforce with older-adult patients that as long as the consistency of the stool remains normal,bowel movements occur with regularity.As long as he is able to move his bowels at least 3 times a week,he should not worry about not having a daily movement.Since there is no indication of constipation,the patient should not place himself on laxatives.However,since the patient is most likely less mobile and receiving strong pain medication following his orthopedic surgery (both likely to cause constipation),the nurse should monitor the situation.

The Patient Is a 74-Year-Old Man Who Has Been in the Hospital