Final answer:
Fecal impaction is a condition where a large mass of dry, hard stool gets stuck in the rectum or colon. It can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, and a feeling of incomplete bowel movements. Treatment usually involves the use of laxatives or enemas to soften and remove the impacted stool.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fecal impaction is a condition where a large mass of dry, hard stool gets stuck in the rectum or colon. It can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, and a feeling of incomplete bowel movements. To identify a fecal impaction, a healthcare provider may perform a physical examination, take a medical history, and order imaging tests such as an abdominal X-ray or CT scan. Treatment usually involves the use of laxatives or enemas to soften and remove the impacted stool.