National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level 2 (NCAC II) Practice Exam Exam

What type of bowel control issue does encopresis describe?

1. Involuntary control

2. Voluntary control

3. Temporary loss

4. Complete loss

The correct answer is: Involuntary control

Encopresis is characterized by involuntary defecation, usually under circumstances where a child is expected to be toilet trained. This condition often occurs in children who have experienced constipation and fecal impaction, leading to the involuntary leakage of stool. It is important to understand that encopresis is not the result of a deliberate choice or action; rather, it involves a loss of control over bowel movements. The condition reflects the body's inability to hold feces, which can create embarrassment and emotional distress for the affected child. In the context of the other options, voluntary control would suggest that the individual has the ability to intentionally manage bowel movements, which is not applicable here. Temporary loss refers to a situation where control is regained after a short period, and complete loss indicates total inability to manage bowel functions, which does not accurately describe the nuanced nature of encopresis as it might occur alongside some degree of retained function. The focus of encopresis is on the involuntary aspect, confirming why it is categorized under loss of involuntary control.