Which portion of the colon will a nurse assess for a patient with fecal impaction?

The rectum is the final part of the colon and is where fecal matter is stored before it is expelled from the body. In cases of fecal impaction, stool can become hard and dry, leading to a blockage that is typically located in the rectum. This condition occurs when stool accumulates and cannot be easily passed, often requiring intervention. Nurses assess the rectum to check for any signs of impacted stool, such as distension or hardness, which can indicate the severity of the impaction and guide appropriate treatment.

Understanding the anatomy of the colon helps clarify why the other areas—ascending, transverse, and descending colon—are less likely to be the primary focus during an assessment for fecal impaction. Although stool can travel through these sections, impaction typically occurs where stool is retained, notably in the rectal area. Thus, when addressing fecal impaction, the rectum becomes the key focus for assessment.