A laxative has been ordered for a patient.
The nurse checks the patient’s medical history and would be concerned if which condition is present?
Diverticulosis
High ammonia levels due to liver failure
Abdominal pain of unknown origin
Chronic constipation
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Diverticulosis is a condition where small pouches, called diverticula, form in the wall of the colon. While it can cause discomfort and complications, it is not a contraindication for laxative use. Laxatives can actually help prevent constipation, which can exacerbate diverticulosis.
Choice B rationale
High ammonia levels due to liver failure can cause serious health problems, including hepatic encephalopathy, a decline in brain function. However, it is not directly related to the use of laxatives. Laxatives work primarily in the colon, not the liver.
Choice C rationale
Abdominal pain of unknown origin could be a sign of a serious condition, such as an intestinal obstruction or appendicitis. Using a laxative could worsen these conditions. Therefore, it’s important to identify the cause of the abdominal pain before using a laxative.
Choice D rationale
Chronic constipation is often treated with laxatives. They work by softening the stool or stimulating the bowel to pass stool. Therefore, chronic constipation is not a contraindication for laxative use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
While a blood culture could be useful in diagnosing a systemic infection, it would not be the most appropriate intervention for a patient reporting watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps after 2 weeks of antibiotic therapy.
Choice B rationale
A stool sample should be collected to test for Clostridium difficile. This bacterium can overgrow in the gut during antibiotic therapy, leading to symptoms such as watery diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
Choice C rationale
Discontinuing the antibiotic immediately may not be the best course of action without confirming the cause of the symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Prescribing an antidiarrheal could alleviate discomfort, but it would not address the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Step 1 is: The client’s finger stick blood glucose is 128, which is within the normal range, so no additional insulin is needed for blood sugar correction. The client has 4 units of insulin lispro scheduled with meals. Therefore, the nurse will administer the scheduled 4 units of insulin.
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