A nurse is caring for an older adult client. The nurse informs the client that straining while defecating can cause which of the following?
Dysrhythmias
Dilated pupils
Gastric ulcer
Diarrhea
The Correct Answer is A
A) Dysrhythmias:
Straining while defecating can trigger the Valsalva maneuver, which involves taking a deep breath and bearing down. This can lead to increased intrathoracic pressure, decreased venous return to the heart, and subsequently a sudden drop in blood pressure when the strain is released. These changes can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, particularly in older adults or those with underlying heart conditions.
B) Dilated pupils:
Dilated pupils are not a known consequence of straining while defecating. Pupillary dilation is typically associated with responses to low light, certain medications, or neurological conditions, rather than gastrointestinal strain.
C) Gastric ulcer:
Gastric ulcers are caused by factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection, prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or excessive stomach acid. Straining during defecation does not contribute to the development of gastric ulcers.
D) Diarrhea:
Straining while defecating is more likely to be associated with constipation rather than diarrhea. Diarrhea involves frequent, loose, or watery stools, whereas straining typically occurs due to hard stools and difficulty passing them.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) 41-year-old with hypernatremia:
Hypernatremia refers to elevated levels of sodium in the blood. While hypernatremia can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, it does not directly correlate with an increased risk of hypomagnesemia.
B) 72-year-old with chronic alcoholism:
Chronic alcoholism is a significant risk factor for hypomagnesemia. Alcohol abuse can lead to poor dietary intake of magnesium, increased renal excretion of magnesium, and impaired absorption of magnesium in the gastrointestinal tract, all contributing to magnesium deficiency.
C) 79-year-old with bone cancer:
Bone cancer does not inherently increase the risk of hypomagnesemia. However, depending on the treatment modalities and disease progression, the client may be at risk for other electrolyte imbalances or complications associated with bone cancer.
D) 46-year-old with respiratory acidosis:
Respiratory acidosis refers to an acid-base imbalance characterized by elevated levels of carbon dioxide in the blood due to impaired ventilation. While respiratory acidosis can lead to electrolyte imbalances, particularly potassium imbalances, it is not directly linked to hypomagnesemia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Delayed gastric emptying: This condition refers to a slowdown in the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, often leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and early satiety. It is not related to breath sounds and would not be detected through auscultation of the lungs.
B) Atelectasis: This condition involves the collapse or closure of lung tissue, resulting in reduced or absent gas exchange. It commonly occurs in patients who are immobile or on bedrest for extended periods, such as the client with a lacerated spleen. Decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes of the lungs are a typical finding in atelectasis, as the collapsed or partially collapsed alveoli do not allow air to move through them, leading to diminished or absent breath sounds in the affected areas.
C) An upper respiratory infection: This condition involves infections in the nose, throat, and airways and typically presents with symptoms like cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and sometimes fever. It can affect breath sounds, but it more commonly causes wheezing, crackles, or rhonchi rather than isolated decreased breath sounds in the lower lobes.
D) Pulmonary edema: This condition is characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, often due to heart failure or acute lung injury. Auscultation findings typically include crackles or rales, particularly in the lower lung fields, but not necessarily decreased breath sounds unless there is a significant consolidation or fluid volume.
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