A nurse performing an assessment would correctly note that an absent pulse in one or more of the extremities indicates

A: Due to age-related reductions in gastrointestinal muscle efficiency, which slows the digestive process and can lead to increased water absorption from stool.
B: Overstates the issue, not all elderly patients experience difficulties, and it does not account for individual variability or other influencing factors like diet and medication.
C: Misrepresents the frequency and reasons for laxative use among the elderly, not all of whom misuse these medications.
D: While changes in rectal sphincter elasticity can affect some elderly individuals, it is less commonly a direct cause of constipation compared to decreased peristalsis.

A. The patient's spouse reporting experiencing marital issues is a perfect example of secondary information as it comes from someone other than the patient and might affect the patient's care or emotional well-being indirectly.
B. The patient reports a history of chest pain, is an example of primary information. This is because the patient directly reports the symptoms of their health condition.
C. The patient complaining of chronic constipation is an example of primary information. This is because the patient is directly reporting their own health condition.

D. The patient verbalizes anxiety about hospitalization is also primary information, directly provided by the patient concerning their feelings about the current care environment.