A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has cancer and is receiving opioids for pain relief. The client has a new prescription for docusate PO daily. When collecting data from the client, which of the following therapeutic effects of docusate should the nurse expect?
Relief from constipation
Relief from nausea
Decreased drowsiness
Decreased cancer pain
The Correct Answer is A
Docusate is a stool softener commonly used to relieve constipation. Opioid pain medications often cause constipation as a side effect by slowing down bowel movements. Docusate helps by increasing the amount of water absorbed by the stool, making it softer and easier to pass.
The other options mentioned are not the primary therapeutic effects of docusate: Relief from nausea: Docusate is not typically prescribed for relief from nausea. Antiemetic medications are used to alleviate nausea and vomiting.
Decreased drowsiness: Docusate does not directly affect drowsiness. Its main action is on the stool consistency, not on alertness or drowsiness.
Decreased cancer pain: Docusate is not prescribed for pain relief. Opioids are generally used to manage cancer pain in this scenario.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is A,B,C,D,E,F
Explanation
To prepare a sterile field for the insertion of a urinary catheter, the nurse should follow the sequence of actions in the following order:
1. Perform hand hygiene.
2. Place the sterile package on the work surface.
3. Open the outermost flap of the package away from the body.
4. Open the side flaps of the package.
5. Open the innermost flap of the package toward the body.
6. Use the inner surface of the package as a sterile field.
Following this sequence ensures that the nurse maintains proper hand hygiene, prepares the sterile package, and opens it in a way that maintains sterility. Opening the flaps in the correct order helps create a sterile field within the package, which can be used for the insertion of the urinary catheter.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
After administering lactulose to a client with cirrhosis, the nurse should monitor for the adverse effects of diarrhea. Lactulose is a laxative commonly used in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, which can occur in individuals with cirrhosis. One of the intended effects of lactulose is to promote bowel movements and reduce the absorption of ammonia in the gut, thus helping to manage hepatic encephalopathy.
While lactulose can cause adverse effects such as diarrhea, it is not typically associated with peripheral edema. Peripheral edema is often seen in cirrhosis due to fluid retention caused by liver dysfunction.
Dry mouth and headache are less commonly associated with lactulose use and are not typically the primary adverse effects to monitor for in this scenario.
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