A 77-year-old post-surgical patient has been complaining of abdominal pain throughout the nurse's shift. In addition, the patient has a temperature of 101.5°F (38.5°C) and has had small, frequent, loose bowel movements four times since the morning
Which of the following health problems would the nurse suspect? A) Fecal impaction
B) Colon cancer
C) Appendicitis
D) Biliary tract disease
A
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Fecal impaction often results in fever and fecal oozing that can be mistaken for diarrhea and is associated with abdominal pain. Colon cancer is less likely to precipitate a fever, and appendicitis and biliary tract disease are unlikely to cause frequent bowel movements.
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