A client tells the nurse, "I am not having normal bowel movements." When differentiating between what are normal and abnormal bowel habits, what indicators are the most important?
A) The consistency of stool and comfort when passing stool
B) That the client has a bowel movement daily
C) That the stool is formed and soft
D) The client is able to fully evacuate with each bowel movement
A
Feedback:
In differentiating normal from abnormal, the consistency of stools and the comfort with which a person passes them are more reliable indicators than is the frequency of bowel elimination. People differ greatly in their bowel habits and normal bowel patterns range from three bowel movements per day to three bowel movements per week. It is important for the stool to be soft to pass without pain. The client may not be able to fully evacuate with a bowel movement; it may take time.
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