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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
From the given statements, the nurse can identify the following statements as indicating the effectiveness of cimetidine treatment:
"I don't have as much heartburn after I eat anymore.": Cimetidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist commonly used to reduce stomach acid production. Decreased heartburn after eating suggests that the medication has been effective in reducing excessive acid production and relieving heartburn symptoms.
"I can sleep while lying flat again.": Cimetidine can help alleviate symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) by reducing stomach acid. Improved ability to sleep while lying flat suggests that the medication has successfully reduced acid reflux and related symptoms.
The following statements do not directly indicate the effectiveness of cimetidine treatment: ● "I noticed that I have had less urge to smoke lately."
● "I occasionally have stomach pain and dark stools."
● "I have not been as dizzy as I was before."
These statements may be unrelated to the effects of cimetidine or may require further assessment to determine their significance. It's important for the nurse to address any concerns or symptoms mentioned by the client and evaluate their overall response to the medication
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "I feel so much better after eating."This is most consistent with a duodenal ulcer, where pain is relieved by food (but often returns 2–3 hours later). Gastric ulcers, on the other hand, may worsen with eating.
B. "The pain is worse after I eat a meal high in fat."Fatty food intolerance and postprandial pain are more characteristic of gallbladder disease (cholelithiasis/cholecystitis), not PUD.
C. "The pain radiates down to my lower back."Pain radiating to the back is more typical of pancreatitis, not PUD.
D. "My pain is relieved by having a bowel movement."Relief of abdominal pain with a bowel movement suggests irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), not PUD.
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