A nurse is caring for a client and is concerned that the client might have a fecal impaction. Which of the following is the most important question for the nurse to ask?
"What types of foods have you been eating?”
"Are you using stool softeners or laxatives?”
"Have you been passing gas?”
"Have you had small liquid stools?”
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice d. “Have you had small liquid stools?”
Choice A rationale:
While knowing the types of foods the client has been eating can provide insight into dietary habits that may contribute to constipation, it is not the most direct question to identify a fecal impaction.
Choice B rationale:
Asking about the use of stool softeners or laxatives is relevant to understanding the client’s bowel management, but it does not directly indicate the presence of a fecal impaction.
Choice C rationale:
Passing gas can indicate that there is some bowel movement, but it does not confirm or rule out a fecal impaction.
Choice D rationale:
Small liquid stools can be a sign of fecal impaction, as liquid stool may leak around the impacted mass. This makes it the most important question to ask when suspecting a fecal impaction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice a. "It must be difficult facing this type of surgery.”
Choice A rationale: This statement acknowledges the client’s feelings and provides emotional support, which is crucial in reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of understanding and empathy.
Choice B rationale: While this statement aims to reassure the client, it may come off as dismissive of the client’s unique concerns and feelings, potentially making them feel invalidated.
Choice C rationale: Although this statement highlights the facility’s reputation, it does not directly address the client’s immediate emotional needs or concerns about the surgery.
Choice D rationale: Offering a sleeping pill addresses the symptom (inability to sleep) but does not address the underlying anxiety or emotional distress the client is experiencing. Emotional support is often more effective in such situations.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Perform a bladder scan.
Choice A rationale:
Performing a bladder scan is the first action the nurse should take before proceeding with intermittent urinary catheterization. A bladder scan assesses the bladder's volume and determines if catheterization is necessary. It helps avoid unnecessary catheterizations, reduces the risk of infection, and promotes patient comfort.
Choice B rationale:
While cleansing the meatus and providing perineal care are important steps in preparing for urinary catheterization, they come after assessing the need for catheterization. Without knowing the bladder volume, these actions could be premature.
Choice C rationale:
Providing perineal care is important for maintaining hygiene and preventing infection, but it should be done after the decision for catheterization has been made based on the bladder scan results.
Choice D rationale:
Lubricating the catheter is a step that should be taken after the decision for catheterization is made and the need for catheterization is confirmed. It helps ease the insertion process and reduce discomfort for the patient.
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