A patient calls the clinic to report a new onset of severe diarrhea. What should the nurse anticipate that the patient will need to do?
Collect a stool specimen.
Have blood cultures drawn.
Prepare for colonoscopy.
Schedule a barium enema.
The Correct Answer is A
The nurse should anticipate that the patient will need to collect a stool specimen. Diarrhea can be caused by various factors such as infections, inflammatory bowel disease, food intolerance, and medication side effects. Collecting a stool specimen can help identify the underlying cause of the diarrhea and guide appropriate treatment. Blood cultures, colonoscopy but barium enema may be necessary in certain cases but are not typically the first step in the diagnostic process for diarrhea.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The nurse should explain to the patient that phenazopyridine is a medication that can help relieve the pain, burning, and urgency associated with UTIs. However, it does not treat the underlying infection. The nurse should also instruct the patient to take the medication as prescribed by the healthcare provider and inform them that the medication may turn their urine an orange or red color, which is a harmless and expected side effect.
The nurse should also inform the patient that taking phenazopyridine before sexual intercourse is not recommended and that the medication should be taken as directed by the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The patient's vital signs suggest that she is experiencing hypotension, tachycardia, and possibly dehydration due to acute adrenal insufficiency. The highest priority nursing intervention for this patient is to provide isotonic fluids to restore intravascular volume and blood pressure. This will also help to correct any electrolyte imbalances that may be present. Administering furosemide (Lasix) or replacing potassium losses may be necessary interventions, but they are not the highest priority at this time. Restricting sodium would be contraindicated in this situation as the patient is hypotensive and needs fluids to increase intravascular volume.
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