A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has constipation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Request that the provider prescribe a stool softener.

Add fluid and fiber to the diet.

Promote active range-of-motion activities.

Avoid gas-producing foods.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Requesting that the provider prescribe a stool softener is not the best action for the nurse to take, as it may cause dependency, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance. The nurse should try non-pharmacological interventions first, such as increasing fluid and fiber intake, promoting physical activity, and establishing a regular bowel routine.

Choice B reason: Adding fluid and fiber to the diet is the best action for the nurse to take, as it helps to soften the stool, increase the bulk, and stimulate peristalsis. The nurse should encourage the client to drink at least 2 liters of water per day and eat foods rich in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Choice C reason: Promoting active range-of-motion activities is a good action for the nurse to take, as it helps to improve circulation, muscle tone, and bowel motility. The nurse should assist the client to perform exercises that are appropriate for their level of mobility and endurance.

Choice D reason: Avoiding gas-producing foods is not a necessary action for the nurse to take, as it does not directly affect constipation. Gas-producing foods, such as beans, cabbage, and broccoli, may cause bloating and discomfort, but they do not cause or worsen constipation.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Metabolic alkalosis is a condition in which the blood pH is elevated due to an excess of bicarbonate or a loss of acid. It can be caused by nausea and vomiting, as they result in the loss of gastric acid and the retention of bicarbonate.

Choice B reason: Respiratory acidosis is a condition in which the blood pH is lowered due to an accumulation of carbon dioxide. It can be caused by hypoventilation, airway obstruction, or lung diseases. It is not related to nausea and vomiting.

Choice C reason: Metabolic acidosis is a condition in which the blood pH is lowered due to an excess of acid or a loss of bicarbonate. It can be caused by diabetic ketoacidosis, renal failure, or lactic acidosis. It is not caused by nausea and vomiting.

Choice D reason: Respiratory alkalosis is a condition in which the blood pH is elevated due to a loss
carbon dioxide. It can be caused by hyperventilation, anxiety, fever, or aspirin overdose. It is not common in clients who have nausea and vomiting.

A. Iron supplements B. Magnesium-containing antacids C. Antibiotics D. Anticholinergics/antispasmodics E. Opioid narcotics

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A: Iron supplements are used to treat iron-deficiency anemia, but they can also reduce the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and make the stools harder and drier¹². This can lead to difficulty in passing stools and increased straining.
Choice B: Magnesium-containing antacids are used to treat heartburn and acid reflux, but they can also have a laxative effect and cause diarrhea¹³. This is because magnesium draws water into the intestines and stimulates bowel movements.
Choice C: Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections, but they can also disrupt the normal flora of the gut and cause diarrhea¹⁴. This is because antibiotics can kill the beneficial bacteria that help digest food and prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria that cause inflammation and infection.
Choice D: Anticholinergics/antispasmodics are used to treat overactive bladder, irritable bowel syndrome, and other conditions that involve muscle spasms in the gut, but they can also slow down the movement of the intestines and relax the muscles that help push the stools out¹ . This can lead to reduced frequency and difficulty in defecation.
Choice E: Opioid narcotics are used to treat moderate to severe pain, but they can also block the signals from the brain to the gut and inhibit the contraction of the intestinal muscles¹ . This can lead to decreased bowel activity and accumulation of hard and dry stools.

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A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has constipation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has nausea and is vomiting. The nurse should identify that the client is at risk for which of the following acid-base imbalances?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a newly licensed nurse about adverse effects of medications. The nurse should include that which of the following medications can cause constipation?

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who reports constipation. Which of the following should the nurse discuss as causes of constipation? (Select all that apply.)

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