Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

Which condition is characterized by a lack of control over bowel movements?

1. Constipation

2. Diarrhea

3. Incontinence

4. Urgency

The correct answer is: Incontinence

Incontinence is the condition characterized by a lack of control over bowel movements. This term specifically refers to the inability to control bowel function, leading to unintended loss of stool. This can occur for various reasons, including muscle weakness, nerve damage, or various medical conditions that affect the gastrointestinal system. Understanding incontinence is crucial in rehabilitation nursing, as it has significant implications for a patient's quality of life, dignity, and psychological well-being. Effective management may involve a combination of medical treatment, dietary adjustments, pelvic floor exercises, and sometimes the use of aids to improve control and manage symptoms. In contrast, constipation refers to infrequent or difficult bowel movements, diarrhea indicates frequent and loose stools, and urgency pertains to a strong and immediate need to defecate, which does not necessarily indicate a lack of control. These conditions, while related to bowel function, do not encompass the full aspect of involuntary loss of bowel control as seen in incontinence.