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.

Answer and Explanation

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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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","H"]

Explanation

A. Heart rate: The client’s heart rate is elevated at 118/min, which could indicate blood loss, dehydration, pain, anxiety, or infection. This finding requires immediate follow-up to assess the cause and intervene as needed.
B. Current medications: The client is taking ibuprofen 800 mg three times daily PRN for arthritis pain. Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause gastric irritation, ulceration, and bleeding. This finding requires immediate follow-up to evaluate the client’s pain level, medication use, and possible alternatives to NSAIDs.
C. Blood pressure: The client’s blood pressure is low at 90/50 mm Hg, which could indicate hypovolemia, shock, or cardiac dysfunction. This finding requires immediate follow-up to monitor the client’s fluid status, perfusion, and organ function.
D. Stool results: The client’s stool tested positive for occult blood and H. pylori bacteria. Occult blood indicates gastrointestinal bleeding, which could be related to the client’s abdominal pain and weight loss. H. pylori is a common cause of peptic ulcer disease, which can also cause bleeding and pain. This finding requires immediate follow-up to confirm the diagnosis and initiate treatment with antibiotics and acid-suppressing drugs.

H. Hemoglobin and hematocrit: The client’s hemoglobin and hematocrit are low at 9.1 g/dL and 27%, respectively. These values indicate anemia, which could be caused by chronic blood loss, nutritional deficiency, or bone marrow suppression. This finding requires immediate follow-up to determine the etiology and severity of the anemia and provide appropriate therapy such as blood transfusion, iron supplementation, or erythropoietin.

The other findings are not as urgent as the ones above:

E. Respiratory rate: The client’s respiratory rate is normal at 18/min. There is no evidence of respiratory distress or hypoxia.
F. WBC count: The client’s WBC count is normal at 6,700/mm3. There is no indication of infection or inflammation.
G. Temperature: The client’s temperature is slightly elevated at 37.5° C (99.5° F), but not enough to warrant immediate concern. It could be due to stress, dehydration, or a mild infection. The nurse should monitor the temperature trend and report any significant changes or signs of sepsis.

A. Drink four 240 mL (8 oz) glasses of water each day. B. Void every 5 to 6 hr during the day. C. Wear loose-fitting underwear. D. Take a bubble bath after intercourse.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This is because tight-fitting underwear can trap moisture and create a favorable environment for bacterial growth, which can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) . Loose-fitting underwear can allow air circulation and prevent moisture accumulation .

Choice A is wrong because drinking four 240 mL (8 oz) glasses of water each day is not enough to prevent UTIs. The recommended amount of water intake for adults is about 2 to 3 liters per day . Drinking enough water can help flush out bacteria from the urinary tract and prevent them from adhering to the bladder wall .

Choice B is wrong because voiding every 5 to 6 hours during the day is too infrequent and can increase the risk of UTIs. The nurse should advise the client to void every 2 to 3 hours during the day. This can help prevent urinary stasis and bacterial multiplication in the bladder .

Choice D is wrong because taking a bubble bath after intercourse can increase the risk of UTIs. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid bubble baths, vaginal douches, or sprays, as they can irritate the urethra and introduce bacteria into the urinary tract . The nurse should also advise the client to empty the bladder before and after sexual intercourse, as this can help remove bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sexual activity .

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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?

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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?