RN Exam Practice
Physiological AdaptationQuestion 248 of 2368

A client with a history of hard stools has liquid stool leaking from the anus. Which interpretation by the nurse is correct?

  1. This may be seepage around a fecal impaction rather than diarrhea
  2. This is diarrhea and an antidiarrheal is needed
  3. This shows the constipation has resolved
  4. This is an expected finding after increasing fiber
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Correct answer: This may be seepage around a fecal impaction rather than diarrhea

Seepage of liquid stool is a hallmark of fecal impaction and should not be confused with diarrhea.

Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Elimination: Constipation. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026