Before administering a laxative to a bedfast client, it is most important for the nurse to perform which assessment?

Evaluate the client's ability to recognize the urge to defecate.

Determine the frequency and consistency of bowel movements.

Observe the skin integrity of the client's rectal and sacral areas.

Assess the client's strength in moving and turning in the bed.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) Evaluate the client's ability to recognize the urge to defecate: Assessing the client's ability to recognize the urge to defecate is important for promoting independence in toileting. However, this assessment may not directly indicate the need for administering a laxative. It is more relevant for clients who are able to ambulate or have control over their bowel movements.

B) Determine the frequency and consistency of bowel movements: Assessing the frequency and consistency of bowel movements provides valuable information about the client's bowel function and helps determine the need for a laxative. It allows the nurse to establish a baseline and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Understanding the client's typical bowel pattern is crucial before administering a laxative to avoid overmedication or potential complications such as diarrhea or fecal impaction.

C) Observe the skin integrity of the client's rectal and sacral areas: Assessing skin integrity in the rectal and sacral areas is crucial for preventing pressure ulcers, especially in bedfast clients. However, it is not directly related to the need for administering a laxative.

D) Assess the client's strength in moving and turning in the bed: While assessing the client's strength and mobility is important for overall care and prevention of complications related to immobility, it may not be directly related to the need for administering a laxative. This assessment is more relevant for preventing complications such as pressure ulcers and maintaining musculoskeletal function.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Intolerance to cold: Intolerance to cold is a common symptom of hypothyroidism, not a sign of taking too much levothyroxine sodium. Therefore, this symptom would not indicate an overdose of the medication.

B) Constipation: Constipation can be a symptom of hypothyroidism, and it may improve with appropriate thyroid hormone replacement therapy. It is not typically associated with taking too much levothyroxine sodium.

C) Restlessness: This is the correct answer. Restlessness, anxiety, nervousness, or feeling jittery are symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which can occur if the client is taking too much levothyroxine sodium. If the dose of levothyroxine is too high, it can lead to hyperthyroid symptoms, even though the medication is intended to treat hypothyroidism.

D) Decreased appetite: Decreased appetite is not a typical symptom of taking too much levothyroxine sodium. In fact, weight loss is more commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, which can occur if the dose of levothyroxine is too high. However, decreased appetite alone may not specifically indicate an overdose of levothyroxine.

A. Be aware that difficulty sleeping and weight loss may occur. B. Administer each dose with at least 8 ounces (240 ml) of water. C. Consume tyramine-free foods while taking the medicine. D. Notify the healthcare provider if experiencing changes in taste.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Be aware that difficulty sleeping and weight loss may occur: This is the correct answer. Bupropion is associated with potential side effects such as insomnia and weight loss. It is essential for the nurse to inform the client about these possible adverse effects to ensure they are aware and can monitor for them. By being informed, the client can report any concerns promptly to their healthcare provider.

B) Administer each dose with at least 8 ounces (240 ml) of water: While it is generally advisable to take medications with a full glass of water, this instruction is not specifically related to bupropion. Therefore, it is not the most pertinent information for discharge teaching regarding this medication.

C) Consume tyramine-free foods while taking the medicine: This instruction is not relevant to bupropion. Tyramine restriction is typically associated with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), not bupropion.

D) Notify the healthcare provider if experiencing changes in taste: Changes in taste are not commonly associated with bupropion use. While it is important to monitor for and report any unusual symptoms while taking medication, difficulty sleeping and weight loss are more commonly observed adverse effects of bupropion that should be emphasized in discharge teaching for a client prescribed this medication to reduce nicotine cravings.

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Before administering a laxative to a bedfast client, it is most important for the nurse to perform which assessment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Levothyroxine sodium is prescribed for a client with hypothyroidism. The nurse should instruct the client to report which symptom because it indicates that the client is taking too much levothyroxine sodium?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client with a history of smoking cigarettes for many years arrives to the clinic and expresses a desire to stop smoking. The client receives a prescription for bupropion to reduce nicotine cravings. Which information should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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