Constipation occurs when a patient experiences _____________________ bowel movements.

Constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, which can involve having fewer than three bowel movements per week. This can lead to the stool becoming hard and difficult to pass, causing discomfort and potential complications. Infrequent bowel movements are often a sign of sluggish movement within the intestines, where the waste takes longer to be processed and excreted.

Other options may misrepresent the conditions associated with bowel health. Normal bowel movements typically occur at a range of frequencies, and frequent bowel movements, while they may suggest other conditions like diarrhea, do not align with the definition of constipation. The term "long" to describe bowel movements doesn't accurately indicate the frequency or regularity and therefore does not relate to constipation in the context provided. Understanding this helps clarify the physiological processes related to digestive health and bowel function.