The Patient Is a 74-Year-Old Man Who Has Been in the Hospital

Multiple Choice

The patient is a 74-year-old man who has been in the hospital for 4 days following an orthopedic surgical procedure.He is concerned because he has not moved his bowels every day as he did before surgery,but every other day.Which response made by the nurse is appropriate?

A) Advise the patient to put himself on over-the-counter laxatives.
B) Instruct the patient that daily bowel movements are not always necessary.
C) Educate the patient that with increasing age,his bowel movements should increase in frequency.
D) Inform the patient that he will call to get a laxative to get him back on track.