A nurse is planning care for a client who has a prescription for a bowel-training program following a spinal cord injury.
Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Encourage a maximum fluid intake of 1,500 mL per day.
Increase the amount of refined grains in the client’s diet.
Provide the client with a cold drink prior to defecation.
Administer a cathartic suppository 30 min prior to scheduled defecation times.
The Correct Answer is D
This is because a cathartic suppository stimulates the nerve endings in the rectum, causing a contraction of the bowel and facilitating defecation. This is especially helpful for clients who have an upper motor neuron or areflexic bowel, which means they have lost the ability to feel when the rectum is full and have a tight anal sphincter muscle. A bowel program is a way of controlling or moving the bowels after a spinal cord injury, which may affect normal bowel function depending on the spinal level involved. A bowel program aims to achieve regular bowel movements, prevent constipation or impaction, and avoid accidents.
Choice A is wrong because encouraging a maximum fluid intake of 1,500 mL per day is not enough to prevent constipation and promote bowel health. A fluid intake of at least 2,000 mL per day is recommended for most adults.
Choice B is wrong because increasing the amount of refined grains in the client’s diet can worsen constipation and reduce stool bulk.
Refined grains are low in fiber, which is essential for normal bowel function. A high-fiber diet of at least 20 to 35 grams per day is advised for clients with spinal cord injuries.
Choice C is wrong because providing the client with a cold drink prior to defecation can have the opposite effect of stimulating the bowel.
Cold drinks can slow down the digestive process and reduce peristalsis, which is the movement of food through the intestines. Warm or hot drinks can help stimulate the bowel and increase peristalsis.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Fish is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and prevent blood clots. Fish is also low in sodium, which is important for people with hypertension, as excess sodium can raise blood pressure by retaining fluid in the body. Fish is part of the DASH diet, which stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, and is a healthy eating plan that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, nuts, seeds, legumes, and lean meats.
Choice A. Cheese is wrong because cheese is high in sodium and saturated fat, which can increase blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Cheese should be limited or avoided by people with hypertension.
Choice C. Red meat is wrong because red meat is also high in sodium and saturated fat, as well as cholesterol, which can contribute to hypertension and heart disease.
Red meat should be eaten sparingly or replaced by leaner sources of protein like fish, poultry, or beans.
Choice D. Canned black beans are wrong because canned black beans are high in sodium, as most canned foods are preserved with salt. Canned black beans should be rinsed well before eating or replaced by dried or cooked black beans, which are lower in sodium and high in fiber, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which are beneficial for blood pressure control.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
B, C, and D. These findings require follow-up because they indicate possible complications of chemotherapy, such as infection, low blood cell counts, and lung damage.
Choice B is correct because a temperature of 38.6° C (101.5° F) is a sign of fever, which can indicate an infection. Chemotherapy can weaken the immune system and make the client more prone to infections.
Choice C is correct because a WBC count of 3,800/mm3 is below the normal range of 5,000 to 10,000/mm3 and indicates leukopenia, a condition of low white blood cells. Chemotherapy can cause leukopenia by damaging the bone marrow where blood cells are produced.
Choice D is correct because crackles heard at the bases of the lungs are abnormal breath sounds that can indicate fluid accumulation or inflammation in the lungs. Chemotherapy can cause lung damage by affecting the cells that line the airways or by triggering an immune response.
Choice A is wrong because a potassium level of 3.6 mEq/L is within the normal range of 3.5 to 5 mEq/L and does not require follow-up.
Choice E is wrong because a blood pressure of 114/56 mm Hg is within the normal range of less than 120/80 mm Hg and does not require follow-up.
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