Oregon Certified Nursing Assistant State Practice Exam

Signs of constipation include?

1. Frequent stools

2. Rapid heart rate

3. Fecal incontinence

4. Irritability

The correct answer is: Irritability

Signs of constipation primarily manifest through changes in bowel habits and associated physical symptoms. Irritability can indeed be an indirect sign of constipation, particularly in children. When someone is experiencing discomfort from constipation, they may become irritable or fussy due to the pain and discomfort associated with the condition. Considering the other options, frequent stools would suggest the opposite of constipation, indicating diarrhea or loose stools. A rapid heart rate is not typically associated with constipation but could indicate other medical issues or stress. Fecal incontinence often indicates a loss of control over bowel movements, which may be related to a different set of health issues and is not a common sign of constipation, where retention of stool is the key characteristic.