Which is a large mass of dry, hard stool that can develop in the rectum due to chronic constipation?

Study for the NATA BOC Domain 2 Clinical Evaluation and Diagnosis Test. Utilize our comprehensive flashcards and multiple-choice quiz features; each question comes with hints and thorough explanations. Prepare effectively for your certification exam!

Multiple Choice

Which is a large mass of dry, hard stool that can develop in the rectum due to chronic constipation?

Explanation:
Fecal impaction is a large mass of dry, hard stool that cannot be expelled, typically forming in the rectum or colon after prolonged constipation and dehydration. The stool becomes so dry and firm that it adheres to the intestinal wall and blocks passage, leading to an inability to have a bowel movement and sometimes abdominal discomfort. This concept explains the scenario described: a bulky, hard stool mass left in the rectum over time due to chronic constipation. The other terms refer to unrelated processes—mastication is chewing, glycogen is stored glucose, and hematemesis is vomiting blood—so they don’t describe a stool blockage. Therefore, the correct idea is fecal impaction.

Fecal impaction is a large mass of dry, hard stool that cannot be expelled, typically forming in the rectum or colon after prolonged constipation and dehydration. The stool becomes so dry and firm that it adheres to the intestinal wall and blocks passage, leading to an inability to have a bowel movement and sometimes abdominal discomfort. This concept explains the scenario described: a bulky, hard stool mass left in the rectum over time due to chronic constipation. The other terms refer to unrelated processes—mastication is chewing, glycogen is stored glucose, and hematemesis is vomiting blood—so they don’t describe a stool blockage. Therefore, the correct idea is fecal impaction.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy