When performing a focused gastrointestinal system assessment, the practical nurse (PN) asks a male client when his last bowel movement occurred. The client answers, "Three days ago.”. Which action should the PN implement first?
Administer a prescribed PRN stool softener.
Encourage client to ambulate more frequently.
Recommend increasing high fiber foods daily.
Determine the client's usual bowel pattern.
The Correct Answer is D
Determine the client's usual bowel pattern.
Choice A rationale:
Administering a prescribed PRN stool softener may be necessary if the client is experiencing constipation, but it is not the first action the PN should implement. Before administering any medication, the PN should gather more information to make an informed decision.
Choice B rationale:
Encouraging the client to ambulate more frequently can be beneficial for promoting bowel movements, but it is not the first action to implement. The PN should first assess the client's bowel pattern to determine if there is a deviation from their usual routine.
Choice C rationale:
Recommending increasing high fiber foods daily can also help with constipation, but it is not the first action to take. The PN should assess the client's current bowel pattern to better understand the situation.
Choice D rationale:
Determining the client's usual bowel pattern is the first action the PN should take. This assessment will help establish a baseline and identify any deviations that might indicate a potential issue, which can then guide further interventions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C. Place the ID bands on the infant and mother.
Choice A rationale:
While obtaining the infant's vital signs is important, it is not the priority action before transporting the baby to the nursery. Placing ID bands on the infant and mother ensures proper identification and prevents mix-ups during transportation, which is crucial in the nursery setting.
Choice B rationale:
Administering vitamin K injection is also essential but not the immediate priority before transporting the baby. Vitamin K administration helps prevent bleeding disorders in newborns, but ensuring proper identification and security come first.
Choice C rationale:
The correct choice. Placing ID bands on the infant and mother is the most important action before transporting the baby to the nursery. This step ensures accurate identification and matching between the baby and the mother, preventing any confusion or errors in the hospital setting.
Choice D rationale:
Observing the infant latching onto the breast is important for promoting breastfeeding, but it can be done after ensuring proper identification and safety measures have been taken.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is the finding that the PN should report to the charge nurse because it indicates a possible complication of Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is autonomic dysfunction. This can affect the cardiac, respiratory, and gastrointestinal systems and cause life-threatening problems such as arrhythmias, hypotension, or respiratory failure. The PN should monitor the client's vital signs closely and report any abnormal changes.
B. Profuse diaphoresis is not a priority finding and may be related to other factors such as fever, anxiety, or medication side effects.
C. Lower leg weakness is an expected finding in Guillain-Barre syndrome and does not need to be reported unless it progresses rapidly or affects the respiratory muscles.
D. Full facial flushing is not a priority finding and may be related to other factors such as vasodilation, inflammation, or medication side effects.
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