A nurse is gathering information from a patient who has been experiencing diarrhea for several days.
What symptoms should the nurse anticipate?

Choice A rationale:

Urinary retention is a condition where the bladder doesn’t empty all the way or at all when you urinate. This can lead to leakage of urine, as the bladder is overfilled and may result in small amounts of urine escaping. This symptom is often associated with urinary retention and is therefore a likely finding in a client with this condition.

Choice B rationale:

Dark-colored urine is not typically a direct symptom of urinary retention. It can be a sign of dehydration, certain dietary factors, or a side effect of some medications. While it’s possible for a person with urinary retention to have dark-colored urine, it’s not a specific or direct symptom of the condition.

Cloudy urine can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can occur as a complication of urinary retention. However, it’s not a direct symptom of urinary retention itself. A nurse would not necessarily expect to see cloudy urine in a client with urinary retention unless a UTI or another complication was present.

Choice D rationale:

Blood in the urine, or hematuria, is not a typical symptom of urinary retention. It can be a sign of various conditions, including UTIs, kidney stones, or more serious conditions like bladder or kidney disease. While it’s possible for a person with urinary retention to have blood in their urine, it’s not a direct symptom of the condition.

Choice A rationale:

Requesting a prescription for a stool softener from the provider could be a potential solution, but it’s not the first step. Medications should be considered when lifestyle modifications and dietary changes are not effective.

Choice B rationale:

Incorporating more fluids and fiber into the patient’s diet is the most appropriate action. Constipation in older adults can be caused by dehydration and not eating enough. Dietary fiber adds bulk to the diet and is capable of absorbing water, which helps to soften the stool and promote regular bowel movements. Therefore, increasing fluid and fiber intake is often the first step in managing constipation.

Choice C rationale:

Encouraging the patient to engage in active range-of-motion exercises might not directly alleviate constipation. While physical activity is generally beneficial for overall health, increased exercise does not improve symptoms of constipation in nursing home residents or older adults.

Choice D rationale:

Advising the patient to avoid foods that cause gas might help if the patient has bloating or gas, but it won’t necessarily address the issue of constipation. The focus should be on increasing fiber and fluid intake.