A client is 24 hours post-op after having a colon resection (part of the colon is removed and the healthy ends are sewn back together). His abdominal incision is dry and intact, but the nurse notes that bowel sounds have not returned. What condition is this client likely experiencing?

Choice A reason: I try to walk in the hallway each day with assistance is a correct statement. Walking is a form of physical activity that can stimulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Walking also has other benefits such as improving circulation, muscle strength, and mood. The patient should be encouraged to walk as much as possible with assistance to prevent falls and injuries.

Choice B reason: I need to increase fiber in my diet and drink more water is a correct statement. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is not digested by the body and helps to form soft and bulky stools. Fiber can be found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Water is essential for hydration and helps to soften the stools and ease their passage. The patient should be advised to consume at least 25 grams of fiber and 8 glasses of water per day to prevent constipation.

Choice C reason: I take my laxative every morning and an enema every night is an incorrect statement that requires follow-up teaching by the nurse. Laxatives and enemas are medications that are used to treat constipation by stimulating or lubricating the bowel. However, they should not be used routinely or excessively, as they can cause side effects such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or dependence. The patient should be instructed to use laxatives and enemas only as prescribed by the doctor and for a short period of time. The patient should also be informed of the potential risks and complications of overusing laxatives and enemas.

Choice D reason: The pain medication I take tends to make my constipation worse is a correct statement. Pain medications, especially opioids, can slow down the movement of the bowel and cause constipation. This is a common and expected side effect of pain medications. The patient should be educated on how to manage constipation caused by pain medications, such as increasing fiber and water intake, exercising regularly, and using stool softeners or laxatives as needed. The patient should also be reassured that constipation does not mean that the pain medication is not working or that they are addicted to it.

Choice A reason: Administering a vaccine to a well child is an example of the RN working in a health promotion role through primary prevention. Primary prevention is the level of prevention that aims to prevent disease or injury before it occurs. It involves reducing exposure to risk factors and enhancing protective factors. Vaccination is a primary prevention strategy that protects the child from contracting or spreading infectious diseases, such as measles, polio, or tetanus.

Choice B reason: Obtaining a blood glucose level on a client with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is not an example of the RN working in a health promotion role through primary prevention. This is an example of the RN working in a disease management role through tertiary prevention. Tertiary prevention is the level of prevention that aims to reduce the complications and disability associated with chronic or irreversible diseases or injuries. It involves providing treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. Obtaining a blood glucose level on a client with hypoglycemia is a tertiary prevention strategy that monitors the client's condition and prevents further deterioration or complications, such as coma or seizures.

Choice C reason: Educating a patient on wound care is not an example of the RN working in a health promotion role through primary prevention. This is an example of the RN working in a disease management role through secondary prevention. Secondary prevention is the level of prevention that aims to detect and treat diseases or injuries early, before they become more serious or chronic. It involves screening, diagnosis, and intervention. Educating a patient on wound care is a secondary prevention strategy that helps the patient to prevent infection, promote healing, and avoid complications, such as scarring or gangrene.

Choice D reason: Administering a nebulizer treatment to a client with asthma is not an example of the RN working in a health promotion role through primary prevention. This is an example of the RN working in a disease management role through tertiary prevention. Tertiary prevention is the level of prevention that aims to reduce the complications and disability associated with chronic or irreversible diseases or injuries. It involves providing treatment, rehabilitation, and support services. Administering a nebulizer treatment to a client with asthma is a tertiary prevention strategy that helps the client to relieve symptoms, improve lung function, and prevent exacerbations, such as asthma attacks.