Which of the following assessment findings would be most indicative of a fecal impaction?

An 83-year-old client has been hospitalized following a fall in his home. He has developed a possible fecal impaction.

Which of the following assessment findings would be most indicative of a fecal impaction?
A . Boardlike, rigid abdomen
B . Loss of the urge to defecate
C . Liquid stool
D . Abdominal pain

View Answer

Answer: C

Explanation:

(A) A boardlike, rigid abdomen would point to a perforated bowel, not a fecal impaction.

(B) When a client is fecally impacted, a common symptom is the urge to defecate but the inability to do so.

(C) When an impaction is present, only liquid stool will be able to pass around the impacted site.

(D) Abdominal pain without distention is not a sign of a fecal impaction.