A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has fecal incontinence. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason :

Increased peripheral circulation is incorrect. As people age, changes in the cardiovascular system can occur, but increased peripheral circulation isn't a common physiological change. In fact, aging might lead to reduced elasticity in blood vessels, potentially resulting in decreased circulation to some areas.

Choice B Reason:

Increased saliva production is incorrect: Saliva production doesn't usually increase with age. Instead, certain medications, medical conditions, or treatments might impact saliva production. Aging itself doesn't commonly cause an increase in saliva production; in fact, it can decrease due to changes in salivary glands.

Choice C Reason:

Increased constipation is correct. As individuals age, there can be changes in gastrointestinal motility and muscle tone, which can contribute to an increased likelihood of constipation.

Choice D Reason:

Decreased muscle mass is correct. Aging often leads to a natural decline in muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia, which can affect mobility and overall physical function.

Choice E Reason:

Decreased cough reflex is correct. With aging, the cough reflex might become less sensitive or effective, which can impact the ability to clear the airways efficiently.

Choice A Reason:

Discontinuing supplements containing vitamin C 24 hr. before the test is incorrect. While high doses of vitamin C might interfere with the accuracy of some laboratory tests, it typically doesn't impact fecal occult blood testing. However, it's always best to follow specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider or laboratory.

Choice B Reason:

Refraining from consuming pork 7 days before the test. There isn't typically a requirement to avoid specific foods, such as pork, before a fecal occult blood test. The test is designed to detect blood in the stool, regardless of the diet. However, some dietary restrictions might be advised based on specific instructions or conditions, but these are not universally applicable.

Choice C Reason:

Placing a thick layer of stool on the specimen card is incorrect. When collecting a sample for a fecal occult blood test, it's important to follow the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider or laboratory. Generally, a small portion of stool is applied to the designated area on the specimen card as instructed, rather than applying a thick layer. Applying too much stool can affect the accuracy of the test.

Choice D Reason:

Urinating prior to collecting the stool specimen is correct. This instruction ensures that the urine doesn't contaminate the stool sample, which could potentially affect the accuracy of the test results.