A nurse assesses a client who is admitted with hip problems. The client asks, "Why are you asking about my bowels and bladder?" How should the nurse respond?

Question

a. "To plan your care based on your normal elimination routine."
b. "So we can help prevent side effects of your medications."
c. "We need to evaluate your ability to function independently."
d. "To schedule your activities around your elimination pattern."

Answer 1

ANS: A
Bowel elimination varies from client to client and must be evaluated on the basis of the client's normal routine. The nurse asks about bowel and bladder habits to develop a client-centered plan of care. The other answers are correct but are not the best responses. Oral analgesics may cause constipation, but they do not interfere with bladder control. The client is in rehabilitation to assist his or her ability to function independently. Elimination usually is scheduled around rehabilitation activities but should be taken into consideration when a plan of care is developed.