Chapter 47, Problem 2CAQ

Summary Introduction

To determine:

In the given case, the health care provider does a digital rectal examination in the emergency department and feels a hard stool mass and the patient receive an order for the removal of fecal impaction. What the nurse need to do to prepare for the patient for this procedure.

Concept Introduction:

On his next visit to the patient (J) 2 days later, the home care nurse finds that the patient (J) still not had a normal bowel movement and blood pressure of the patient is 160/92. The patient (J) had tried to increase his vegetables and fruits intake but had a very little appetite and felt mildly nauseous after eating even a small meal. The patient (J) took laxatives with a stool softener each evening but reported only a little, bowel movements two to three time a day and also he feels pressure in his rectum that is not relieved when he takes his pain medication. Because of increasing discomfort, elevated blood pressure and absence of bowel movement for at least 9 days, the home care nurse (J) thinks that the patient (J) should go to the emergency department of his local hospital.