A patient at a long-term care facility makes the following statements regarding management of his constipation. Which statement would require follow-up teaching by the nurse?
I try to walk in the hallway each day with assistance.
I need to increase fiber in my diet and drink more water.
I take my laxative every morning and an enema every night.
The pain medication I take tends to make my constipation worse.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: I try to walk in the hallway each day with assistance is a correct statement. Walking is a form of physical activity that can stimulate bowel movements and prevent constipation. Walking also has other benefits such as improving circulation, muscle strength, and mood. The patient should be encouraged to walk as much as possible with assistance to prevent falls and injuries.
Choice B reason: I need to increase fiber in my diet and drink more water is a correct statement. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that is not digested by the body and helps to form soft and bulky stools. Fiber can be found in foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Water is essential for hydration and helps to soften the stools and ease their passage. The patient should be advised to consume at least 25 grams of fiber and 8 glasses of water per day to prevent constipation.
Choice C reason: I take my laxative every morning and an enema every night is an incorrect statement that requires follow-up teaching by the nurse. Laxatives and enemas are medications that are used to treat constipation by stimulating or lubricating the bowel. However, they should not be used routinely or excessively, as they can cause side effects such as dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or dependence. The patient should be instructed to use laxatives and enemas only as prescribed by the doctor and for a short period of time. The patient should also be informed of the potential risks and complications of overusing laxatives and enemas.
Choice D reason: The pain medication I take tends to make my constipation worse is a correct statement. Pain medications, especially opioids, can slow down the movement of the bowel and cause constipation. This is a common and expected side effect of pain medications. The patient should be educated on how to manage constipation caused by pain medications, such as increasing fiber and water intake, exercising regularly, and using stool softeners or laxatives as needed. The patient should also be reassured that constipation does not mean that the pain medication is not working or that they are addicted to it.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is E
Explanation
Choice A reason: Assessment is the first phase of the nursing process, where the nurse collects data about the patient's health status, needs, preferences, and goals.
Choice B reason: Analysis/Diagnosis is the second phase of the nursing process, where the nurse interprets the data and identifies the patient's problems, risks, and strengths.
Choice C reason: Planning is the third phase of the nursing process, where the nurse develops a care plan that specifies the expected outcomes, interventions, and priorities for the patient.
Choice D reason: Implementation is the fourth phase of the nursing process, where the nurse executes the care plan and performs the interventions for the patient.
Choice E reason: Evaluation is the fifth and final phase of the nursing process, where the nurse measures the effectiveness of the interventions and compares the actual outcomes with the expected outcomes. Asking the patient about their pain level after giving pain medication is an example of evaluation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, jogging, or dancing, helps to strengthen the bones and prevent osteoporosis. It also improves muscle strength, balance, and coordination, which can reduce the risk of falls and fractures.
Choice B reason: Having a bone density scan every year is not necessary for a young adult client who has a family history of osteoporosis. A bone density scan is a test that measures the amount of calcium and other minerals in the bones. It is usually recommended for women over 65 years old, men over 70 years old, or people who have risk factors for osteoporosis, such as low body weight, smoking, or steroid use.
Choice C reason: Taking a magnesium supplement every day is not a proven way to prevent osteoporosis. Magnesium is a mineral that is involved in bone formation and metabolism, but there is not enough evidence to support its role in preventing or treating osteoporosis. A balanced diet that includes foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients is more effective for bone health.
Choice D reason: Drinking a cup of coffee every morning is not a good idea for a young adult client who has a family history of osteoporosis. Coffee contains caffeine, which can interfere with the absorption of calcium and increase the excretion of calcium in the urine. This can lead to lower bone density and higher risk of osteoporosis. Moderate coffee consumption (one or two cups per day) may not have a significant effect on bone health, but excessive coffee intake (more than four cups per day) should be avoided.
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