The nurse is completing an assessment of an older adult client recovering from a total hip replacement. The client reports a decreased appetite and is concerned about having not had a bowel movement for several days. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

A. Increasing dietary fiber and adding prune juice can help relieve constipation by improving bowel regularity. While this is an important step in managing constipation, it is not the first action to take without understanding the underlying cause or current status of bowel function.
B. Physical activity is important for bowel regularity, especially post-surgery. However, assessing physical activity should come after a more immediate evaluation of the client's bowel status. It is crucial to first determine if there are other underlying issues that need addressing before implementing dietary changes or increasing activity.
C. A digital examination can be necessary to identify fecal impaction, especially if other assessments suggest severe constipation or if the client has not had a bowel movement for several days. However, this is an invasive procedure and should be performed based on preliminary findings from non-invasive assessments.
D. Checking bowel sounds and abdominal tenderness is an essential first step in assessing the client's gastrointestinal status. It helps identify whether there is a lack of bowel movement due to a more severe issue such as bowel obstruction or if it is simply a case of constipation.

A.Providing tissues is a helpful measure for clients to use when they need to cough or sneeze. It promotes good hygiene by allowing the client to dispose of respiratory secretions properly. However, this choice does not address the immediate concern of how the client is currently coughing and the potential for spreading infection.
B.Assisting the client with a gown change may be necessary if their current gown is soiled. However, this action does not directly address the infection control issue or the client’s method of coughing. Changing the gown is secondary to addressing proper coughing techniques and infection control.
C.Teaching clients to cover their mouth with their hands is not ideal, as it can spread germs if the hands are not washed immediately afterward. Instead, clients should be taught to cough into a tissue or their elbow (not the sleeve) to minimize the spread of germs. This is a crucial component of infection control and helps reduce the risk of transmission.
D.Providing face masks for staff is an important measure in infection control, especially if the client has a respiratory illness. However, it does not address the client's current coughing technique or teach the client how to prevent the spread of infection through their own actions.