Prior to initiating digital removal of a fecal impaction, it is most important for the nurse to perform which client assessment?
Abdominal girth.
Bowel sounds.
Vital signs.
Breath sounds.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because abdominal girth can indicate the presence of fecal impaction, but it does not reflect the client's hemodynamic status or potential complications of the procedure.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because bowel sounds can indicate the level of bowel motility, but they do not provide information about the client's cardiovascular or respiratory function.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because vital signs can indicate the client's baseline condition and any changes during or after the procedure. Digital removal of a fecal impaction can stimulate the vagus nerve and cause bradycardia, hypotension, or cardiac arrest.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because breath sounds can indicate the client's respiratory status, but they are not directly affected by the procedure. However, breath sounds should be monitored for signs of aspiration if the client receives sedation or analgesia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Remind the UAP to dry between the client’s toes completely is not the best action because it does not address the risk of spillage and wetness on the bed. Drying between the toes is important to prevent fungal infections, but it can be done after removing the basin.
Choice B: Advise the UAP that this procedure is damaging to the skin is not the best action because it is not accurate and may cause confusion. Soaking the foot in warm water is not harmful to the skin, unless it is too hot or too long.
Choice C: Add skin cream to the basin of water while the foot is soaking is not the best action because it does not solve the problem and may waste the cream. Skin cream should be applied after drying the foot, not mixed with water.
Choice D: Remove the basin of water from the client’s bed immediately is the best action because it prevents potential hazards such as soaking, infection, or electric shock. The nurse should ensure that the bed is dry and clean before continuing with the bath.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because contacting the healthcare provider about the frequency of pain medication is a dependent intervention that requires an order from the provider. The nurse should first use independent interventions such as reviewing available prescriptions or providing non-pharmacological measures.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because encouraging the client to allow more time for the medication to work can imply that the nurse does not believe or validate the client's report of pain. It also can delay effective pain relief and increase suffering.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because reviewing the medical record for additional pain medication prescriptions can help identify alternative or adjunctive options for pain management, such as breakthrough doses, rescue doses, or non-opioid analgesics.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because administering an additional dose of morphine sulfate 0.2 mg intravenously can cause overdose, respiratory depression, or addiction. The nurse should follow the prescribed dosage, route, and interval of administration and monitor for adverse effects.

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