A nurse is performing an assessment on a patient who has not had a bowel movement in 3 days. The nurse will expect which other assessment finding?

A) Hypoactive bowel sounds
B) Increased fluid intake
C) Soft tender abdomen
D) Jaundice in sclera

Three or more days with no bowel movement indicates hypomotility of the GI tract. Assessment findings would include hypoactive bowel sounds, a firm distended abdomen, and pain or discomfort upon palpation. Increased fluid intake would help the problem; a decreased intake can lead to constipation. Jaundice does not occur with constipation but can occur with liver disease.