Question

The nurse is working with the mother of a toddler experiencing constipation. What information regarding childhood constipation should the nurse share with the mother? Select all that apply.

A) Reward your child with a sticker only when he has a bowel movement.
B) You should not give your son laxatives.
C) If your child has a fecal impaction, you can give him an enema.
D) Have your son sit on the toilet twice a day, after breakfast and dinner, for 5 to 15 minutes.
E) Reward your child for sitting on the toilet as asked, not just when he has a bowel movement.

Answer 1

The nurse should advise the mother not to give laxatives to her son and to consider using an enema if there is a fecal impaction. It is also important to establish a regular toilet sitting routine and reward the child for sitting on the toilet.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should share the following information regarding childhood constipation with the mother:

• You should not give your son laxatives. Laxatives can become habit-forming and make the colon work less efficiently.
• If your child has a fecal impaction, you can give him an enema. An enema can help relieve the impaction and promote bowel movements.
• Have your son sit on the toilet twice a day, after breakfast and dinner, for 5 to 15 minutes. Regular toilet sitting can help establish a routine and promote regular bowel movements.
• Reward your child for sitting on the toilet as asked, not just when he has a bowel movement. This can help reinforce the habit of regular toilet sitting.