An 85-year-old patient is concerned about the loss of sensation of the need to defecate. How should the nurse respond?
1. "This is a normal part of aging due to slowed intestinal absorption."
2. "As you age, the rectum loses tone, and there is a reduced sensation of the need to defecate."
3. "Have you had a colonoscopy in the past year to evaluate the condition?"
4. "Reduced vitamin K absorption is associated with this condition."
Correct Answer: 2
The loss of muscle tone within the internal sphincter is responsible for the patient's clinical manifestations. Intestinal absorption slows and vitamin K absorption is reduced with aging, but neither is responsible for the concerns raised by the patient. Asking about a colonoscopy does not address the patient's concern.
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