An elderly client has constipation. He asks the nurse the reason for this. What is the best response by the nurse?
1. "You could have a serious illness, and should check with your doctor."
2. "You probably drink too much alcohol, and end up constipated."
3. "You probably don't eat enough fiber, so the stool stays in your intestine too long."
4. "Your large intestine is old and does not work as well as it used to."
Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: The client could have a serious illness, but constipation in the elderly is more likely related to dietary habits.
Rationale 2: Alcohol can be a contributing factor to constipation, but the nurse should first assess alcohol intake and not just assume excessive alcohol intake.
Rationale 3: If the waste material remains in the intestine too long due to lack of fiber, too much water is reabsorbed leading to small, hard stools.
Rationale 4: Telling an elderly client that his intestine is old is very non-therapeutic.
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