You are taking care of an older female adult with severe cognitive impairments. She is unable to tell you when she needs to urinate and, as a result, is often incontinent. What do you realize she is experiencing?

Choice A reason: Older African American women do not have the highest risk of suicide among older adults. According to the CDC, suicide rates are highest among adults age 75 and older, and highest among males age 75 and older.

Choice B reason: Older adults and younger adults do not manifest suicidal intent in a similar manner. Older adults tend to plan suicide more carefully, use more lethal means, and have fewer warning signs than younger adults.

Choice C reason: A major crisis experienced by the client can contribute to the risk of suicide. Older adults may face various stressors, such as bereavement, loneliness, chronic illness, or loss of independence, that can trigger suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Choice D reason: Ethics do not require that the nurse respects a person’s intent to terminate his or her own life. Nurses have a duty to protect the safety and well-being of their clients, and to intervene if they suspect suicidal risk.

Choice A reason: Fecal impaction is not the most common gastrointestinal complaint, as it is a condition that occurs when hardened stool accumulates in the rectum and cannot be expelled. Fecal impaction may cause abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and loss of appetite. Fecal impaction is more common in older adults, people with low-fiber diets, or people who take certain medications, such as opioids or anticholinergics.

Choice B reason: Diarrhea is the most common gastrointestinal complaint, as it is a condition that occurs when the stool is loose, watery, and frequent. Diarrhea may cause dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and malabsorption. Diarrhea can be caused by various factors, such as infections, food intolerance, medications, or irritable bowel syndrome.

Choice C reason: Constipation is not the most common gastrointestinal complaint, as it is a condition that occurs when the stool is hard, dry, and infrequent. Constipation may cause straining, pain, bleeding, and hemorrhoids. Constipation can be caused by various factors, such as lack of fluids, fiber, or exercise, or certain medications, such as antacids or iron supplements.

Choice D reason: Hemorrhoids are not the most common gastrointestinal complaint, as they are swollen veins in the lower rectum or anus that may cause itching, pain, or bleeding. Hemorrhoids can be caused by various factors, such as constipation, straining, pregnancy, or aging.

Choice E reason: None of the above is not the correct answer, as there is one choice that is the most common gastrointestinal complaint.