A nurse caring for a cognitively impaired older adult client shows an understanding of the unique clinical symptoms of constipation in this population when: Select all that apply
a. checking documentation to determine if the client has had a bowel movement in the last 24-36 hours.
b. questioning staff as to whether the client has any unexplained falls in the last few days
c. asking the client to name all of their children and grandchildren
d. requesting that the client's temperature be taken now and again in 4 hours
e. reviewing the client's food intake over the last 24-36 hours
ANS: B, C, D, E
It is important to note that alterations in cognitive status, incontinence, increased tempera-ture, poor appetite, or unexplained falls may be the only clinical symptoms of constipation in the cognitively impaired or frail older person. Frequency of defecation is not necessarily an indicator of constipation since it is such a personal characteristic.
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