Review and answer questions.
You are a visiting nurse checking in on your patient, a 93-year-old retired steelworker who lives alone with his two cats. You visit him on a weekly basis to monitor his blood glucose levels and refill his insulin syringes for his self-medicating throughout the week, as he is visually impaired. During your interview, he indicates that he has been experiencing irregularity and is quite anxious over developing a bowel obstruction.
a. How would you assess his bowel elimination patterns?
b. Describe foods that impact bowel elimination either positively or negatively.
c. What activities could you recommend to maintain adequate bowel function?
d. Outline how fiber and fluid intake facilitate bowel elimination.
e. Which mechanical function of the bowel causes constipation?