What should a PCA do if a patient reports not having moved their bowels in three days?

In the situation where a patient reports not having moved their bowels in three days, the appropriate action for a PCA (Personal Care Assistant) is to report the issue to the nursing supervisor. This response is rooted in the PCA's role as part of the healthcare team, where they must communicate significant changes in a patient's condition to licensed nursing staff.

Bowel movement frequency can reflect various underlying health issues, and three days without a bowel movement could indicate constipation or another gastrointestinal concern that may need medical intervention. Reporting to the nursing supervisor ensures that a qualified professional can assess the situation further, determine if further evaluation or treatment is necessary, and decide on an appropriate care plan for the patient.

Other choices may seem like immediate solutions, but they could interfere with proper clinical protocols. Administering a laxative without proper assessment or guidance from a healthcare professional could pose risks to the patient, especially if there are underlying health concerns. Monitoring for other symptoms is certainly useful, but it does not replace the necessity of immediate communication with a nursing supervisor regarding a significant change in the patient's health status. Waiting for the nurse to arrive would delay vital care that may be needed, making timely reporting crucial.