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What is the nurse's priority action when assessing constipation in elderly clients?

  1. Obtain a complete blood count

  2. Obtain a health and dietary history

  3. Refer to a provider for a physical examination

  4. Measure height and weight

The correct answer is: Obtain a health and dietary history

When assessing constipation in elderly clients, obtaining a health and dietary history is essential because it provides critical information about the patient's bowel habits, dietary fiber intake, fluid consumption, medication use, and any previous gastrointestinal issues. This comprehensive history can help identify potential causes of constipation, such as inadequate dietary fiber or hydration, medications that may cause or exacerbate constipation, and lifestyle factors that impact bowel regularity. Understanding the patient's usual patterns and any changes they have experienced can guide further assessment and intervention strategies. For instance, knowing about the patient's fluid intake or any recent changes in their diet can directly influence care decisions. It also allows the nurse to tailor education or recommendations about dietary adjustments and lifestyle modifications that may alleviate constipation, ultimately promoting better gastrointestinal health in elderly patients. While obtaining a complete blood count, referring to a provider for a physical examination, and measuring height and weight are important assessment actions in a broader context, these steps are typically not immediate priorities specifically for addressing constipation. They may become relevant in a comprehensive evaluation if the constipation is linked to more serious underlying health concerns. However, the immediate focus should be on understanding the patient's health and dietary habits related to the constipation issue.