You Are Caring for a Nonambulatory 80-Year-Old Male Patient and He

Multiple Choice

You are caring for a nonambulatory 80-year-old male patient and he tells you, a female nurse, that he feels like he is having drainage from his rectum. Which initial nursing action is appropriate?

A) Drape the patient and observe the rectal area.
B) Tell the patient that his doctor will be notified of his problem.
C) Tell the patient that you will ask the male nurse on the next shift to check on the problem.
D) Give the patient an ice pack to apply to the area.