The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with asthma on a medical surgical unit. The nurse is concerned when the patient makes the following statement after completing their Albuterol nebulizer treatment:

Choice A reason: Administering half of the scheduled dose of Colace is not the correct action for the nurse who is caring for a patient who had two loose stools during the night shift. Colace is the brand name of docusate, which is a stool softener that works by increasing the amount of water and fat in the stool, making it easier to pass. Colace is used to treat and prevent constipation, which is a condition of infrequent or hard bowel movements. Colace is not indicated for diarrhea, which is a condition of frequent and loose bowel movements. Administering half of the scheduled dose of Colace may not be enough to prevent constipation, and it may also worsen diarrhea by adding more water and fat to the stool.

Choice B reason: Administering the scheduled dose of Colace is not the correct action for the nurse who is caring for a patient who had two loose stools during the night shift. Colace is the brand name of docusate, which is a stool softener that works by increasing the amount of water and fat in the stool, making it easier to pass. Colace is used to treat and prevent constipation, which is a condition of infrequent or hard bowel movements. Colace is not indicated for diarrhea, which is a condition of frequent and loose bowel movements. Administering the scheduled dose of Colace may not be necessary to prevent constipation, and it may also worsen diarrhea by adding more water and fat to the stool.

Choice C reason: Inserting a rectal tube to prevent excoriation is not the correct action for the nurse who is caring for a patient who had two loose stools during the night shift. A rectal tube is a device that is inserted into the rectum and connected to a drainage bag, which collects the stool and prevents leakage and skin irritation. A rectal tube is used for patients who have fecal incontinence, which is the inability to control bowel movements. A rectal tube is not indicated for patients who have diarrhea, which is a condition of frequent and loose bowel movements. Inserting a rectal tube may not be effective to prevent excoriation, and it may also cause complications such as infection, bleeding, or perforation.

Choice D reason: Holding the scheduled dose of Colace and notifying the ordering physician is the correct action for the nurse who is caring for a patient who had two loose stools during the night shift. Colace is the brand name of docusate, which is a stool softener that works by increasing the amount of water and fat in the stool, making it easier to pass. Colace is used to treat and prevent constipation, which is a condition of infrequent or hard bowel movements. Colace is not indicated for diarrhea, which is a condition of frequent and loose bowel movements. Holding the scheduled dose of Colace may be appropriate to avoid further diarrhea, and notifying the ordering physician may be necessary to determine the cause and the treatment of diarrhea

Choice A reason: This is incorrect. Fluticasone is a corticosteroid that is used to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis. It does not affect the patient's ability to exercise or engage in strenuous activity. In fact, exercise can help improve lung function and reduce inflammation.

Choice B reason: This is incorrect. Fluticasone does not affect the patient's potassium levels. Potassium is an electrolyte that is important for the function of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Some medications, such as diuretics, can lower potassium levels and require the patient to eat potassium rich foods, such as bananas, potatoes, and tomatoes. Fluticasone is not one of them.

Choice C reason: This is correct. Fluticasone can cause hyperglycemia, which is high blood sugar. This can occur because corticosteroids can increase the production of glucose in the liver and reduce the sensitivity of the cells to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Hyperglycemia can cause symptoms such as increased thirst, hunger, urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. The patient should monitor their blood sugar levels regularly and report any changes to their doctor.

Choice D reason: This is incorrect. Fluticasone does not affect the patient's digestion or appetite. It can be taken with or without food. There is no need to avoid eating for 4 hours after taking Fluticasone. However, the patient should rinse their mouth with water after using Fluticasone inhaler or nasal spray, as this can help prevent oral thrush, a fungal infection that can cause white patches, soreness, and bleeding in the mouth.