Wisconsin CNA State Exam Vocabulary Practice

What is fecal impaction?

1. A mass of dry hard stool that remains packed in the rectum and cannot be expelled.

2. Solid body waste excreted through the anus from the large intestine.

3. The act or process of eating or being fed.

4. Gas generated in the stomach or bowels.

The correct answer is: A mass of dry hard stool that remains packed in the rectum and cannot be expelled.

Fecal impaction is accurately defined as a mass of dry hard stool that remains packed in the rectum and cannot be expelled, which is why this choice is the correct answer. This condition can occur due to prolonged constipation, where stool becomes dehydrated and hard, making it difficult for the body to eliminate it naturally. As the impaction develops, it can lead to discomfort, pain, and further complications such as bowel obstruction or infection. The other choices provide different definitions that do not accurately describe fecal impaction. For instance, solid body waste excreted through the anus refers to normal bowel movements and does not convey the specific inability to pass stool that characterizes fecal impaction. The act of eating or being fed describes a completely different biological process unrelated to the elimination of waste. Lastly, gas generated in the stomach or bowels pertains to digestive processes and issues related to gas buildup rather than the retention of stool. Understanding the distinction is crucial for proper identification and management of fecal impaction in a healthcare setting.