A nurse is teaching a client who has chronic pain about avoiding constipation from opioid medications.
Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
Decrease insoluble fiber intake.
Increase exercise
Reduce water intake
take a laxative every day
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B. Increase exercise.
Exercise can help stimulate bowel movements and prevent constipation, which is a common side effect of opioid medications.
Exercise can also improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and enhance mood, which can benefit clients who have chronic pain.
Choice A is wrong because decreasing insoluble fiber intake can worsen constipation.
Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps it pass more easily through the colon.
Clients who take opioid medications should increase their intake of insoluble fiber from sources such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Choice C is wrong because drinking less water can lead to dehydration and hardening of the stool, which can make it more difficult to pass.
Clients who take opioid medications should drink plenty of water to keep the stool soft and moist.
Choice D is wrong because taking a laxative every day can cause dependence, tolerance, and electrolyte imbalance.
Laxatives should be used only as a last resort and under the guidance of a health care provider.
Clients who take opioid medications should try other methods of preventing constipation first, such as increasing exercise, fiber, and water intake.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Hypertonicity is a sign of increased muscle tone and stiffness, which can indicate that the newborn is experiencing withdrawal from methadone exposure in utero. Methadone is an opioid medication that can cross the placenta and cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in the newborn.
Choice A, acrocyanosis, is wrong because it is a normal finding in newborns.
Acrocyanosis is a bluish discoloration of the hands and feet due to immature peripheral circulation. It usually resolves within the first 24 to 48 hours of life.
Choice B, bradycardia, is wrong because it is not a typical sign of withdrawal.
Bradycardia is a slow heart rate, usually less than 100 beats per minute in newborns. It can be caused by hypoxia, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, or vagal stimulation.
Choice C, bulging fontanels, is wrong because it is a sign of increased intracranial pressure, not withdrawal. Bulging fontanels can be caused by meningitis, hydrocephalus, or hemorrhage.
Normal ranges for newborn vital signs are as follows:
- Heart rate: 120 to 160 beats per minute
- Respiratory rate: 30 to 60 breaths per minute
- Temperature: 36.5 to 37.5°C (97.7 to 99.5°F)
- Blood pressure: 60 to 80 mm Hg systolic and 40 to 50 mm Hg diastolic
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason
Administering naloxone to the newborn is not appropriate. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist used to reverse the effects of opioid overdose in adults. It is not typically used for newborns with neonatal abstinence syndrome. The management of NAS is primarily supportive, and medications may be prescribed to help manage specific withdrawal symptoms, but naloxone is not a standard treatment for NAS.
Choice B reason:
Minimizing noise in the newborn's environment is a crucial action in the plan of care is the correct action to be included. Newborns experiencing NAS can be easily overstimulated, and loud noises can exacerbate their withdrawal symptoms and distress. Creating a calm and quiet environment helps reduce agitation and promotes better sleep and overall comfort.
Choice C reason
Swaddling the newborn with his leg extended is not appropriate in this case. Swaddling can be beneficial for some newborns, but the specific positioning and swaddling techniques should be individualized based on the newborn's needs and preferences. Extending the newborn's legs may not necessarily be the best approach, as it may not provide comfort or address the symptoms associated with NAS.
Choice D reason:
Maintaining eye contact with the newborn during feedings is not appropriate in this case. While maintaining eye contact during feedings is an essential aspect of bonding and promoting parent-newborn attachment, it may not be the primary focus in managing neonatal abstinence syndrome. The plan of care for a newborn with NAS would primarily involve managing withdrawal symptoms, providing comfort measures, and addressing the newborn's unique needs during this challenging period.
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