Question

A patient tells the examiner that passing stools is painful. What term would the examiner use to document painful bowel movements?

a. Dyschezia
b. Hematochezia
c. Tenesmus
d. Melena

Answer 1

Dyschezia is the term used to document painful bowel movements, referring to when defecation is painful. The terms hematochezia, tenesmus, and melena are also used to describe other conditions related to bowel movements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The term used to document painful bowel movements is dyschezia. Dyschezia refers specifically to the condition where defecation is painful. Other terms related to bowel movements include hematochezia, which is the passage of fresh blood through the anus, usually in or with stools, tenesmus, which is a constant feeling of the need to empty the bowel, accompanied by pain, cramping, and involuntary straining efforts, and melena, which indicates black, tarry stools that suggest upper GI bleeding. Understanding these terms is essential for an accurate description of symptoms and diagnosis.