To maintain normal elimination patterns in a hospitalized patient, the nurse should encourage the patient to take time to defecate 1 hour after meals because:

A. the presence of food stimulates peristalsis.
B. mass colonic peristalsis occurs at this time.
C. irregularity helps to develop a habitual pattern.
D. neglecting the urge to defecate can cause diarrhea.


B
When stool reaches the rectum, distension causes relaxation of the internal sphincter and aware-ness of the need to defecate. Establishing a consistent time for bowel hygiene is one evi-denced-based practice to avoid constipation. Ignoring the urge to defecate and not taking time to defecate completely are common causes of constipation.

Nursing

You might also like to view...

A nurse has been working with a client who witnessed a traumatic event and is now experiencing panic-level anxiety. The desired outcome is:

1. Stated improvement of self-esteem. 2. Absence of anxiety. 3. Hope for the future. 4. Anxiety is maintained at a manageable level.

Nursing

The nurse lists the age-related changes to the endocrine function as: (Select all that apply.)

a. the pituitary gland becoming larger. b. metabolism declining. c. blood glucose levels rising. d. decreasing level of epinephrine. e. decreasing level of thyroxine.

Nursing

A child, age 7 years, has a fever associated with a viral illness. She is being cared for at home. What is the principal reason for treating fever in this child?

a. Relief of discomfort b. Reassurance that illness is temporary c. Prevention of secondary bacterial infection d. Avoidance of life-threatening complications

Nursing

A patient, with a history of tonsillectomy and appendectomy, is admitted with an infection. The nurse realizes that which of the following immunological defenses will be altered in this patient?

1. gut associated lymphoid tissue 2. mucosa associated lymphoid tissue 3. superficial epithelial cells 4. prostaglandin production

Nursing