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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Objective data. Rationale: Objective data are observable and measurable facts obtained through physical examination or diagnostic tests. The statement incorrectly labels the data as objective when it is, in fact, based on the client's feelings and perceptions, making it subjective.

Choice B rationale:

Subjective data. Rationale: Subjective data are information provided by the client, including their feelings, perceptions, and experiences. The statement correctly labels the data as subjective, as it reflects the client's report of thirst and hunger.

Choice C rationale:

Primary data. Rationale: Primary data are original data collected directly from the source, such as a client's medical history or interview. However, this classification does not address the nature of the data as being subjective or objective, so the statement does not provide a complete answer.

Choice D rationale:

Secondary data. Rationale: Secondary data are data obtained from sources other than the client, such as medical records or research studies. Similar to choice C, this classification does not address the nature of the data as being subjective or objective.

A. Instill 3 mL of normal saline before suctioning. B. Instruct the client to cough as the suction tip is removed. C. Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the catheter. D. Wear protective goggles while performing the procedure. E. Wear protective goggles while performing the procedure.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Instill 3 mL of normal saline before suctioning. This choice is not appropriate for suctioning excessive drooling in a client with ALS. Instilling normal saline would introduce additional fluid into the oral cavity, potentially worsening the problem by increasing the amount of secretions. The goal of suctioning is to remove excess saliva and maintain a clear airway.

Choice B rationale:

Instruct the client to cough as the suction tip is removed. Instructing the client to cough during suctioning is not a recommended practice. It may cause discomfort and can lead to an increased risk of aspiration as the client might inhale while coughing during the procedure.

Choice C rationale:

Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the catheter. Applying a water-soluble lubricant to the suction catheter is a common practice to facilitate the passage of the catheter and minimize irritation to the client's oral tissues. While it is a helpful step, it is not the primary action that should be taken to ensure the safety of the procedure.

Choice D rationale:

Wear protective goggles while performing the procedure. This is the correct choice. When suctioning a client's oral cavity, especially when dealing with excessive drooling or secretions, it is essential for the nurse to wear protective goggles. These goggles protect the nurse's eyes from potential exposure to the client's bodily fluids, reducing the risk of infection transmission.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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

A nurse is documenting the data collected from an ongoing assessment of a client who has diabetes mellitus. The nurse writes, “The client reports feeling thirsty and hungry all the time.” How should the nurse label this type of data?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse observes a client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is excessively drooling and prepares to suction the client's oral cavity. Which action should the nurse include?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client arrives at a hurricane disaster medical area seeking treatment for diarrhea. Which source of contamination should the nurse consider when interviewing the client about exposure?

A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about contributing factors that can lead to the development of conduct disorder. Which of the following factors related to family dynamics should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client with a specific phobia. Which statement by the nurse is accurate regarding phobias?

A client arrives at the emergency department with chest pain after taking sildenafil. Based on the client's history, which medication should the nurse withhold?

When the nurse attempts to teach self-administration of insulin injections to a client who is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM), the client tells the nurse in a loud voice to leave the room. Which action should the nurse take?

A nurse is reviewing laboratory results for a client who has been taking amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) for a bacterial respiratory tract infection. Which of the following findings should alert the nurse to a possible adverse effect of this medication? (Select all that apply.).

A college student brings his roommate to the clinic because the roommate has been talking to someone who is not present. The student tells the practical nurse (PN) that his roommate is acting strange. Which question should the PN ask the client next?

Which is the best approach for the nurse to use when interviewing a client about intimate partner violence?