The nurse is providing education on how to prevent constipation to a group of older adults in a nursing facility. What should be included in the education?

"It is okay to take laxatives every day to help you have a bowel movement."

"Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement even if you feel it is inconvenient."

“Do not take opiate medications as those can cause constipation."

"Be sure to eat at least 20 grams of fiber and drink at least 1,000mL per day.”

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. "It is okay to take laxatives every day to help you have a bowel movement." Frequent laxative use can lead to dependence and decreased bowel function over time. Instead, non-pharmacologic measures such as fiber intake, hydration, and physical activity should be encouraged first.

B."Do not ignore the urge to have a bowel movement even if you feel it is inconvenient." Ignoring the urge can lead to constipation as stool remains in the colon longer, resulting in increased water absorption and harder stools. Encouraging regular bowel habits helps maintain normal function.

C. "Do not take opiate medications as those can cause constipation." While opiates can cause constipation, this statement is too broad. Some individuals may require opioid therapy for pain management. Instead, the focus should be on preventing and managing opioid-induced constipation rather than avoiding these medications altogether.

D. "Be sure to eat at least 20 grams of fiber and drink at least 1,000mL per day." While increasing fiber intake is important, 20 grams may not be sufficient (the recommended daily fiber intake for older adults is about 25–30 grams). Additionally, 1,000 mL (1 liter) of fluid may be inadequate, as older adults should aim for at least 1,500–2,000 mL per day unless contraindicated.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Avoid bathing this patient until they are stable: Hygiene is essential for preventing infection and promoting comfort. Bathing should not be entirely avoided unless the patient is critically unstable.

B. Only bathe the perineal area: While perineal care is important, other areas also require cleaning, and modifications can be made to prevent excessive exertion.

C. Perform the bath in a semi-Fowler's position: Semi-Fowler's position (30–45°) promotes lung expansion and reduces dyspnea, making it the best position for bathing a patient with breathing difficulty.

D. Delegate the task to the assistive personnel: While an assistive personnel (AP) can assist, the nurse should assess the patient first and be involved in care for clients with respiratory distress.

A. It is painful to sit on a bedpan. B. The position encourages the Valsalva maneuver. C. The position does not facilitate downward pressure. D. The cause is unknown and requires further study.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. It is painful to sit on a bedpan. Discomfort may be a factor, but pain alone does not explain the difficulty in having a bowel movement.
B. The position encourages the Valsalva maneuver. The Valsalva maneuver (straining against a closed airway) can occur in any position, but posture is the primary problem here.
C. The position does not facilitate downward pressure. The seated position allows for gravity and proper abdominal muscle engagement, making defecation easier. Lying down does not facilitate intra-abdominal pressure.
D. The cause is unknown and requires further study. The relationship between position and defecation is well understood in physiology.

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The nurse is providing education on how to prevent constipation to a group of older adults in a nursing facility. What should be included in the education?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is preparing to bathe a client with dyspnea. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client is having difficulty having a bowel movement laying on the bedpan. What is the physiologic reason for this problem?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is providing oral care to a sedated patient. What intervention is most important to implement with this patient?

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