Question

A patient states, "I like to have a bowel movement every morning." Which additional data collected by the nurse most supports a concern with perceived constipation?

a. Hard, dry stools are defecated daily
b. Laxatives are used excessively
c. Abdominal distention
d. Straining is required

Answer 1

The nurse should focus on collecting additional data to support the patient's concern with perceived constipation. The data that most supports this concern is option d, straining is required.

Step-by-step explanation:

Perceived constipation refers to the patient's belief that they are experiencing constipation, even if the symptoms may not meet the medical definition of constipation. In this case, the nurse should focus on collecting additional data to support the patient's concern with perceived constipation. The data that most supports this concern is option d. Straining is required. Straining during bowel movements indicates that the stools are not easily passing through the digestive system, which can be a sign of constipation. Options a, b, and c do not directly support a concern with perceived constipation. While option a mentions hard, dry stools, it doesn't indicate any problem with the patient's perception. Option b, the excessive use of laxatives, may indicate an actual constipation problem, but it doesn't necessarily support the patient's belief about their bowel movements. Option c, abdominal distention, may be present in constipation, but it doesn't directly relate to the patient's perception of constipation.