Which finding, if identified in a client who is being treated for fecal incontinence would indicate that the bowel training is attaining the desired outcome?

Place the call bell in reach and respond promptly when activated.

This is a safety measure that allows the client to communicate their needs and request assistance when needed. The nurse should also check the drain for patency, observe for bright red bloody drainage, and maintain an aseptic technique when emptying the drain.

Choice A is wrong because advising the client to stay in bed and only get up with assistance may limit their mobility and increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or pneumonia.

The client should be encouraged to ambulate as soon as possible after surgery, with appropriate assistance and precautions.

Choice C is wrong because maintaining the bed at working height for convenience when doing post-op vital signs may increase the risk of falls or injury if the client tries to get out of bed without assistance.

The bed should be lowered to a safe position and locked when not in use.

Choice D is wrong because keeping the lights off to encourage the client to rest and recuperate may impair the client’s vision and orientation, and increase the risk of falls or injury if they try to get out of bed without assistance.

The client should have adequate lighting in their room and be oriented to their surroundings.

Choice E is wrong because attaching the drain to wall suction and keeping the tubing pinned to the client’s gown may interfere with the function of the drain and cause tension or kinking of the tubing. The drain should be attached to gravity drainage and secured loosely to prevent accidental dislodgment.

This is because anti-embolism stockings are designed to prevent swelling and blood clots in the legs by applying graduated compression, which is tighter around the ankle and looser as it moves up the leg. Applying the stockings in the morning before any swelling occurs ensures a proper fit and optimal blood flow.

Choice A is wrong because massaging the legs can dislodge a blood clot and cause a pulmonary embolism.

Choice C is wrong because wetting the stockings can make them harder to apply and reduce their effectiveness.

Choice D is wrong because removing the stockings before bathing can increase the risk of swelling and clotting, and applying fresh ones afterward can be difficult and uncomfortable.