A nurse is assisting in the care of a client.

Exhibits

For each potential nursing action, click to specify if the potential action is. indicated or contraindicated for the client who has a chest tube.

Choice A rationale:

"I will notify my doctor if the stoma starts to look purple" indicates an understanding of the importance of monitoring the colostomy site for signs of compromised blood flow or ischemia. A purple or bluish color of the stoma may suggest reduced blood supply, which is a critical concern and should be reported promptly to the healthcare provider.

Choice B rationale:

"I should expect my stool to be formed" is incorrect. In a colostomy, the type of stool output will depend on the location of the colostomy and the surgical procedure performed. Stool consistency can vary, and it may be formed or semi-formed depending on the individual and the specific situation. Expecting formed stool may not always be accurate.

Choice C rationale:

"I will no longer be able to eat nuts" is not necessarily true for all individuals with a colostomy. While some people may experience digestive difficulties with certain foods, including nuts, it is not a universal rule. Dietary restrictions should be discussed with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian based on the individual's specific condition and needs.

Choice D rationale:

"I will irrigate the colostomy every day" is not a recommended practice for all colostomy patients. Colostomy irrigation is a procedure that may be performed by some individuals with descending or sigmoid colostomies to regulate bowel movements. However, it is not necessary or appropriate for all colostomy patients. The need for colostomy irrigation should be determined by the healthcare provider and discussed with the patient as part of their individualized care plan.

The correct answer is Choice B: Administer the medication to the toddler each evening.

Choice B rationale: Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for the long-term management of asthma, especially in preventing nighttime symptoms. It is typically prescribed to be administered once daily in the evening to provide optimal therapeutic benefits. By instructing the parents to give the medication each evening, the nurse promotes adherence to the prescribed dosing schedule and helps maximize the medication's effectiveness in controlling the toddler's asthma symptoms.

Choice A rationale: While some medications can be mixed with juice or other liquids to make them more palatable for children, montelukast should not be dissolved in a drink. Instead, it can be mixed with a spoonful of cold, soft food, such as applesauce or ice cream, if necessary, to facilitate administration. Mixing with juice could potentially alter the medication's efficacy or create an unpleasant taste.

Choice C rationale: Montelukast is not indicated for use as a quick-relief medication prior to physical activity. It is a maintenance medication intended for long-term asthma control rather than immediate relief of acute symptoms. Providing an additional dose of montelukast before physical activity would not serve the intended purpose and could increase the risk of side effects.

Choice D rationale: Montelukast is not meant to be used as a rescue medication for acute asthma attacks. It is a long-term control medication that helps prevent asthma attacks and improve overall symptom management. For acute asthma attacks, the toddler would require a fast-acting beta-agonist or other appropriate rescue medication prescribed by their healthcare provider. Administering montelukast during an acute asthma attack would not provide the rapid relief needed to alleviate symptoms and could potentially delay appropriate treatment.