A nurse is assisting in the plan of care for a client who has constipation after receiving opioid medication for incisional pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?
Auscultate the client's abdomen for bowel sounds.
Provide the client privacy with a set time to defecate.
Administer a fiber-based laxative to the client.
Encourage the client to increase oral intake of fluids.
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Auscultate the client's abdomen for bowel sounds. This is the first action the nurse should take because it provides information about the client's bowel motility and function. Opioid medications can decrease bowel motility and cause constipation. The nurse should assess the client's abdomen before implementing any interventions.
- Choice B is not correct because providing privacy and a set time to defecate is a nonpharmacological intervention that can help prevent constipation, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.
- Choice C is not correct because administering a fiber-based laxative is a pharmacological intervention that can help treat constipation, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should also consider the client's fluid intake and preference before giving a laxative.
- Choice D is not correct because encouraging the client to increase oral intake of fluids is a nonpharmacological intervention that can help prevent constipation, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should also consider the client's fluid balance and medical condition before giving fluids.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. The nurse should identify an oral temperature of 39°C (102.2°F) as the priority finding in a client who is postoperative following a total thyroidectomy for hyperthyroidism. An elevated temperature can indicate infection, which is a risk after surgery. The nurse should report this finding to the provider immediately.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because moderate amount of serosanguineous drainage on dressings, serum calcium level 9.2 mg/dL, and report of a sore throat, respectively, are expected findings after a total thyroidectomy and do not require immediate action.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Oranges contain high levels of ascorbic acid, which can increase the absorption of ferrous sulfate. Baked potatoes, oatmeal, and cheese are not high in ascorbic acid and are not recommended to increase the absorption of ferrous sulfate.
Choice A, baked potatoes, is not the correct answer because it is not high in ascorbic acid.
Choice B, oatmeal, is not the correct answer because it is not high in ascorbic acid. Choice D, cheese, is not the correct answer because it is not high in ascorbic acid.
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