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

Determine the client's usual bowel patern

Encourage the client to ambulate more frequently

Recommend increasing high-fiber foods daily

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A bowel patern is the frequency, consistency, and appearance of a person's bowel movements. A normal bowel patern is what's normal for each person, and it can vary depending on factors such as diet, age, physical activity, and health conditions.
A focused gastrointestinal system assessment includes collecting subjective data about the patient's history of gastrointestinal disease, signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, diet and nutrition, and bowel patern. It also includes inspecting and auscultating the abdomen for any abnormalities³.
When a client reports having a bowel movement three days ago, the first action that the practical nurse should implement is to determine the client's usual bowel patern. This will help to evaluate if the client is experiencing constipation or if this is their normal frequency. It will also help to identify any changes or risk factors that may aﬀect the client's bowel function.

Therefore, option B is the correct answer, while options A, C, and D are incorrect.

Option A is incorrect because administering a stool softener without assessing the client's bowel patern may not be appropriate or eﬀective.

Option C is incorrect because encouraging ambulation may help to stimulate bowel activity, but it is not the first action to take.

Option D is incorrect because recommending dietary changes may be helpful for preventing or treating constipation, but it is not the first action to take.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is choiced. Notify your healthcare provider if you start having abdominal pain.

Choice A rationale:

Exenatide does not act in the same way as insulin. It is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that enhances glucose-dependent insulin secretion, suppresses glucagon secretion, and slows gastric emptying.

Choice B rationale:

Exenatide should be injected within 60 minutes before the morning and evening meals, not within 30 minutes before or after a meal.

Choice C rationale:

There are precautions about taking exenatide with other medications. It can affect the absorption of oral medications, so timing and interactions need to be considered.

Choice D rationale:

Abdominal pain can be a sign of pancreatitis, a serious side effect of exenatide.It is important to notify the healthcare provider if this symptom occurs.

A. "MDD is less severe than dysthymia but lasts for at least 2 years.". B. "Dysthymia is characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression.". C. "Unlike MDD, dysthymia does not impair social or occupational functioning.". D. "Dysthymia is chronic and lasts for at least 2 years, but is less severe than MDD.". E. Anxiety.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is typically more severe than dysthymia and is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe depression lasting at least two weeks.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Dysthymia is not characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression. It is a chronic, low-grade depressive disorder.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Dysthymia can impair social and occupational functioning, similar to MDD. Both conditions can have a significant impact on a person's daily life.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is accurate. Dysthymia is a chronic depressive disorder that lasts for at least two years but is generally less severe than MDD. It is characterized by persistent, milder symptoms of depression.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is planning discharge instructions for a client with type 2 diabetes who will be starting exenatide. Which information should be included in the discharge instructions?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client asks a nurse about the differences between major depressive disorder (MDD) and dysthymia. Which of the following responses by the nurse is accurate?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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