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 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.
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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