The home care nurse is reviewing a list of clients prior to making vis

The home care nurse is reviewing a list of clients prior to making visits. For which client should the nurse plan interventions to decrease the risk of developing constipation?

1. An adult who is on bed rest
2. An infant who is breast-fed
3. A school-age child at recess
4. A toddler who is now walking

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 1
Rationale 1: Adults who are on bed rest are at greatest risk for developing constipation.
Rationale 2: Infants who are breast-fed pass stools frequently, usually after each feeding, because the intestine is immature and water is not well absorbed.
Rationale 3: School-age children may delay defecation because of play, but their activity still promotes regular bowel movements.
Rationale 4: A toddler who is now walking has some control of defecation, and the nervous and muscular systems are sufficiently well developed to permit bowel control.