A client is being seen in a GI clinic. Which statement by the client suggests a diagnosis of constipation?
1. "I have only had one bowel movement every other day for the past week."
2. "I have been having trouble with pain, bloating, and gas. My last bowel movement was 4 days ago."
3. "I haven't had a bowel movement today, but I had one yesterday."
4. "I feel like I am constipated. Please give me a laxative."
Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: This might be normal for the client, as the normal range is two or three bowel movements per day to one per week.
Rationale 2: The client is reporting symptoms of constipation (pain, bloating, and gas) and the last bowel movement of 4 days ago.
Rationale 3: This might be normal for the client, as the normal range is from two or three bowel movements per day to one per week.
Rationale 4: The client is not necessarily experiencing constipation. The client's definition of constipation might consist of decreased frequency of bowel movements, but the normal range is two or three bowel movements per day to one per week.
Global Rationale: The client is reporting symptoms of constipation (pain, bloating, and gas) and the last bowel movement of 4 days ago. It would be reasonable to suspect constipation. Bowel movement frequency is individual, so stools every other day do not indicate constipation. Feeling constipated is the second best answer, but there are no other symptoms provided.
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