A nurse in an urgent care clinic is caring for a client who reports recently using methylenedioxy-methamphetamine.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A rationale:

Administering an enema can help relieve the client’s abdominal cramping and small, hard, painful bowel movement. An enema is a procedure that involves introducing a liquid solution into the rectum to promote evacuation of feces. It can be used to relieve constipation, which seems to be the client’s issue based on the description of their bowel movement.

Choice B rationale:

Assisting the client with a sitz bath may not be necessary at this time. A sitz bath is typically used to soothe and cleanse the perineal area, particularly after childbirth or surgery. While the client does have a surgical incision, the notes indicate that the perineal dressing is intact with minimal serosanguinous drainage, suggesting that the incision site is not currently problematic.

Choice C rationale:

Irrigating an indwelling catheter with 500 mL of fluid is not recommended unless there is a specific indication, such as the catheter being blocked. The client’s urinary catheter is intact with 100 mL/hr of pink urine, which suggests that it is functioning properly.

Choice D rationale:

Encouraging prolonged dangling before ambulation may not be beneficial for this client. Dangling involves sitting on the edge of the bed with legs hanging down before standing up. This can help prevent dizziness upon standing. However, the notes indicate that the client is already ambulating independently in the hallway, suggesting that they do not have issues with mobility or dizziness.

Choice E rationale:

Encouraging oral fluid intake can help alleviate constipation by softening stools and promoting bowel movements. It can also help maintain hydration, which is particularly important for postoperative clients. Therefore, this would be a beneficial action for the nurse to take for this client.

Choice A rationale:

The statement that "we require informed consent for all routine treatments" is not accurate. Informed consent is typically required for procedures and treatments that carry significant risks or require the patient's understanding and agreement. Routine treatments such as taking vital signs or administering routine medications do not typically require informed consent.

Choice B rationale:

The nurse should include in the teaching that the client can sign the informed consent form after the provider explains the pros and cons of the procedure. This statement emphasizes the importance of informed consent, which requires that the patient receives information about the procedure, risks, benefits, and alternatives before providing their consent.

Choice C rationale:

Stating that verbal consent is acceptable unless the surgical procedure is an emergency is not accurate. Informed consent generally requires written documentation, except in true emergencies when obtaining written consent is not possible due to the patient's condition.

Choice D rationale:

The statement that a family member must witness the client's signature on the informed consent form is not a universal requirement for informed consent. While witnesses may be necessary in some cases, it is not a standard requirement for all surgical procedures. The focus should be on ensuring that the client understands the information provided before consenting.