Fundamentals of Nursing Q 401
Clients should be taught that repeatedly ignoring the sensation of needing to defecate could result in which of the following?
A. Constipation
B. Diarrhea
C. Incontinence
D. Hemorrhoids
Correct Answer: A. Constipation
Habitually ignoring the urge to defecate can lead to constipation through loss of the natural urge and the accumulation of feces. Functional constipation is a prevalent condition in childhood, about 29.6% worldwide. In the United States, it represents 3% to 5% of pediatric visits and a considerable annual health care cost. Most children do not have an etiological factor, and one third continue to have problems beyond adolescence.
Option B: Diarrhea will not result-if anything, there is increased opportunity for water reabsorption because the stool remains in the colon, leading to firmer stool. Diarrhea is described as three or more loose or watery stools a day. Infection commonly causes acute diarrhea. Noninfectious etiologies are more common as the duration of diarrhea becomes chronic. Treatment and management are based on the duration and specific etiology.
Option C: Ignoring the urge shows a strong voluntary sphincter, not a weak one that could result in incontinence. Fecal incontinence (FI) is the involuntary passage of fecal matter through anus or inability to control the discharge of bowel contents. Its severity can range from an involuntary passage of flatus to complete evacuation of fecal matter. Depending on the severity of the disease, it has a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life
Option D: Hemorrhoids would only occur only if severe drying out of the stool occurs, and thus repeated need to strain to pass stool. Hemorrhoids are rich in vascular supply and have a tendency to engorge and prolapse. Symptoms can vary from mild itching, bleeding to severe pain. Unfortunately, because of the location, many patients never seek treatment for fear of embarrassment.