Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What is the expected outcome of a successful bowel retraining program?

1. Increased urinary output

2. Improved mobility

3. Regular bowel movements

4. Enhanced appetite

The correct answer is: Regular bowel movements

The expected outcome of a successful bowel retraining program is regular bowel movements. This program is designed to help individuals establish a consistent schedule for bowel elimination, which is particularly important for those with bowel dysfunction or irregularities due to various health issues, including neurological conditions, spinal cord injuries, and various gastrointestinal disorders. By implementing a bowel retraining protocol, patients learn to recognize their body's signals, adopt habits that promote a healthy bowel routine, and use interventions such as diet changes, hydration, and possibly medications as needed. These efforts typically lead to an improved ability to predict bowel movements, increased control over bowel function, and ultimately, a decrease in issues like constipation or incontinence. The other outcomes—such as increased urinary output, improved mobility, and enhanced appetite—while potentially beneficial to overall health, are not direct goals or expected results of bowel retraining specifically. Each serves a different purpose in patient care and rehabilitation. For example, increased urinary output can relate more to hydration or bladder training rather than bowel retraining. Similarly, improved mobility often requires different interventions, and enhancing appetite typically involves dietary changes rather than focusing on bowel routine.