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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A, apply a motion sensor mat to the client's bed. This is an effective intervention to monitor the client's movements and prevent falls. The mat is placed under the bed sheet and will sound an alarm if the client tries to get out of bed.

Moving the overbed table away from the bed is not the correct answer because it does not prevent falls.
Raising all four side rails while the client is in bed is not the correct answer because it can cause the client to feel trapped and can lead to injuries if they try to climb over the rails.
Leaving the television on in the client's room is not the correct answer because it can be distracting and interfere with the client's sleep.

A. Monitor the client for weight loss. B. Advise the client about increased dry mouth. C. Inform the client of the adverse effect of diarrhea. D. Check the client for increased hypopigmentation under the patch.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Advise the client about increased dry mouth. Transdermal clonidine can cause xerostomia, or dry mouth, due to a decrease in salivary secretion. The nurse should advise the client to maintain good oral hygiene and to increase fluid intake to prevent oral and dental problems.

An explanation for incorrect choices:

A. Weight loss is not a common adverse effect or risk associated with transdermal clonidine.

C. Diarrhea can occur with transdermal clonidine, but it is not a common adverse effect or risk.

D. Hypopigmentation is rare with transdermal clonidine; it is more common with corticosteroids.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse working the night shift is caring for an older adult client who has dementia and is at risk for falls. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for an older adult client who has a new prescription for transdermal clonidine. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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