Question

a nurse at a long - term care facility is talking with a group of clients at breakfast. one client reports not having a bowel movement the previous day. which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

administer a laxative medication.

request a prescription to check for impaction.

offer to help the client to the toilet after meal time.

provide the client with a glycerin suppository.

Explanation:

When a client reports no bowel movement, the nurse should first take the least invasive action. Offering to help the client to the toilet after a meal is a simple, non - invasive measure. Administering a laxative or suppository (invasive) or requesting a prescription (more complex) should not be the first step without trying simpler methods. The gastrocolic reflex (increased bowel motility after eating) can be utilized by taking the client to the toilet after a meal.

Answer:

Offer to help the client to the toilet after meal time.