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?

Increase fiber in diet and add daily prune juice.

Assess type and frequency of physical activities.

Perform a digital examination for fecal impaction.

Check bowel sounds and abdominal tenderness.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. While providing practical advice is useful, this response does not directly address the client's current emotional state or frustration. The immediate need is to support the client emotionally rather than instructing them on dressing techniques. It may also come off as dismissive of the client’s feelings.
B. This response is the most appropriate because it acknowledges and validates the client’s emotional experience. By recognizing their frustration, the nurse shows empathy and understanding, which can help in building a therapeutic relationship. It also opens up a dialogue for the client to express their feelings and concerns, which can improve their overall comfort and cooperation.
C. While education on dressing techniques is beneficial, this response does not address the client's immediate frustration or emotional needs. It also postpones support and could make the client feel like their current struggles are not being adequately addressed in the moment.
D. This response is defensive and does not address the client’s immediate emotional needs. It may escalate the situation by making the client feel like they are being reprimanded for their behavior. It is important to handle such situations with empathy and support rather than focusing on institutional policies.

A. Before changing assignments, determine which staff members have fitted particulate filter masks. B. Instruct the UAP that a standard face mask is sufficient for the provision of care for the assigned client. C. Send the UAP to be fitted for a particulate filter mask immediately so she can provide care to this client. D. Advise the UAP to wear a standard face mask to take vital signs, and then get fitted for a filter mask before providing personal care.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. This action involves assessing which staff members are appropriately equipped to handle the situation. While it is useful to know which staff are fitted with particulate filter masks, this step does not directly address the UAP’s immediate concern or resolve the issue with the current assignment.
B. Pertussis (whooping cough) is a disease that requires droplet precautions, which generally means using a standard surgical mask rather than a particulate filter mask. However, it’s crucial to ensure that the UAP is aware of and follows the correct infection control measures.
C. Pertussis requires droplet precautions, which usually involve wearing a standard surgical mask, not a particulate filter mask (N95). Fitting for an N95 mask is generally reserved for airborne precautions.
D. This action addresses the immediate need by allowing the UAP to perform tasks that do not involve close personal care (such as taking vital signs) with a standard face mask, which is appropriate for droplet precautions. It also ensures that the UAP receives proper fitting for a particulate filter mask if needed for other tasks or future assignments.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is admitted to the rehabilitation unit following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), which resulted in paralysis of the right arm. When the nurse enters the room, the client is struggling to put on a shirt, and curses at the nurse. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A surgical incision that is healing by secondary intention develops a thick tan exudate. Which action should the nurse take first?

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