The home health nurse is assessing an older client who lives alone. The client reports being troubled by constipation. Which additional information should the nurse obtain to formulate a plan of care? (Select all that apply.)
Current prescribed and over-the-counter medications.
Next scheduled visit with healthcare provider.
Methods currently used to treat constipation.
Daily food and fluid intake.
Level of physical activity and exercise.
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
Certain medications can contribute to constipation as a side effect. Reviewing the client's medication list will help identify any potential medications that may be causing or exacerbating constipation.
Understanding the client's current approach to managing constipation, such as dietary changes, laxative use, or other remedies, will provide insight into their self-care practices and effectiveness of current interventions.
Diet plays a crucial role in bowel regularity. Assessing the client's dietary habits, including fiber intake and hydration, can help identify potential factors contributing to constipation.
Physical activity and exercise promote bowel regularity by stimulating intestinal motility. Evaluating the client's level of physical activity and exercise routine can provide information on their overall mobility and potential impact on bowel function.
The next scheduled visit with the healthcare provider may be important for the overall management of the client's health but may not be directly related to formulating a plan of care specifically for constipation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
The age-related factors that may factor into this client's wound healing are: Decreased epidermal turnover: As people age, the turnover of skin cells decreases, resulting in slower wound healing. This can prolong the healing process and increase the risk of complications.
T-cell function decrease: The immune system's function, including T-cell function, tends to decline with age. T-cells play a crucial role in the immune response and wound healing. Decreased T-cell function can impair the body's ability to fight infection and promote efficient healing.
Insulin resistance and pigmentation changes are not directly age-related factors that impact wound healing. Insulin resistance is a condition related to impaired glucose metabolism and can affect wound healing in individuals with diabetes or other metabolic disorders, but it is not necessarily an age-related factor. Pigmentation changes are primarily cosmetic and do not directly affect the physiological processes involved in wound healing.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Incorrect- While it's important for UAPs to report changes in a client's condition, the immediate priority is to assess and address the deteriorating condition of the client. The nurse's first action should be to stop the current care being provided and assess the client.
B) Correct- In this situation, the priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of the client. The client's deteriorated condition needs to be assessed promptly by a licensed nurse to determine the appropriate interventions. Stopping the care being provided by the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) allows the nurse to focus on the client's immediate needs.
C) Incorrect- Administering oral medications is not the immediate priority in this situation. The client's deteriorating condition takes precedence over administering medications.
D) Incorrect- While investigating the situation and addressing communication gaps is important, the first priority is to assess and address the client's current condition. The nurse needs to take immediate action to ensure the client's safety and well-being.
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