Twenty-four hours postÔÇövaginal delivery, the postpartum client tells the nurse that she is concerned because she has not had a bowel movement (BM) since before delivery. Which action should be taken by the nurse?

A spontaneous BM may not occur for 2 to 3 days after childbirth due to decreased muscle tone in the intestines during labor and the immediate postpartum period, possible prelabor diarrhea, and decreased food intake and dehydration during labor. Thus, documentation of the lack of a BM is the only action required. There is no need to notify the HCP for a normal finding. A laxative is unnecessary since a BM is not expected for 2 to 3 days postdelivery. Bowel sounds are not altered by a vaginal delivery, even though the passage of stool through the intestines is slowed.