A nurse is preparing to remove a client's urinary catheter. After performing hand hygiene, which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A reason: Positioning the client supine is not a necessary action for the nurse to take, as the client can be in any comfortable position for the catheter removal. The nurse should explain the procedure to the client and provide privacy.

Choice B reason: Cleansing the perineal area with an antiseptic is not a required action for the nurse to take, as the catheter is already sterile and the risk of infection is low. The nurse should wear gloves and use a clean syringe to deflate the balloon.

Choice C reason: Deflating the balloon halfway and then pulling out the catheter is the correct action for the nurse to take, as it ensures that the catheter is removed smoothly and without causing trauma to the urethra. The nurse should apply gentle traction and observe the urine color and amount in the drainage bag.

Choice D reason: Having the client bear down during removal is not a recommended action for the nurse to take, as it can cause discomfort and bleeding. The nurse should instruct the client to relax and breathe normally during the procedure.

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.