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 D
Explanation
A. A 12-year-old reporting neck, arm, and lower back discomfort:
- This child is reporting discomfort, which is concerning, but it doesn't indicate an immediate life-threatening condition. However, a thorough assessment is needed to rule out any serious injuries, especially to the spine.
B. An 8-year-old with a full leg air splint for a possible broken tibia:
- While a possible broken tibia requires attention, it is not as immediately critical as symptoms such as projectile vomiting. Splinting can help stabilize the limb, but it is not an emergency that requires immediate attention compared to potential neurological issues.
C. A 6-year-old with multiple superficial lacerations of all extremities:
- Superficial lacerations, although they require care, are generally not immediately life-threatening. The child needs appropriate wound care and assessment for any deeper injuries, but this can be addressed in a timely manner without immediate urgency.
D. An 11-year-old with a headache, nausea, and projectile vomiting:
- This is the most concerning presentation among the options. Headache, nausea, and projectile vomiting could be indicative of a severe head injury, and these neurological symptoms require urgent evaluation to assess for conditions such as a concussion, intracranial bleed, or increased intracranial pressure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Assessing and managing pain is a crucial aspect of providing atraumatic care for any post-operative patient, including a child. The child cried throughout the procedure and will likely experience discomfort and pain after the surgery. It is important to assess the child's pain levels regularly using appropriate pain assessment tools and provide appropriate pain management interventions to ensure their comfort and well-being.
While antibiotics may be prescribed if there is a surgical site infection or specific indications for their use, it is not mentioned as a priority in this scenario. The focus is on providing atraumatic care post-operatively, and pain assessment takes precedence.
Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and wound care are important components of the child's overall care, but they may not be the immediate priority post-operatively.
These interventions can be incorporated into the plan of care as needed, but addressing pain is of utmost importance in the immediate post-operative period.
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