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 C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Nausea can be a significant factor contributing to decreased food intake, but it is not the most likely cause in this scenario. Xerostomia (dry mouth) and mucositis are mentioned as symptoms in the question stem. Nausea alone does not explain why the client is consuming less than their body requirements.

Choice B rationale:

Fatigue can also contribute to decreased food intake, but it is not the most likely cause in this case. While fatigue can be a side effect of cancer treatment and may lead to reduced appetite, the question specifically mentions xerostomia and mucositis as issues contributing to imbalanced nutritional intake.

Choice C rationale:

Pain when eating is the most likely cause of imbalanced nutritional intake in this scenario. The client's laryngeal cancer and the development of mucositis indicate that eating is likely painful for them. This discomfort can significantly deter the client from eating, leading to decreased nutritional intake.

Choice D rationale:

Altered taste sensation can affect food preferences, but it is not the most likely cause in this case. Pain when eating is a more direct and immediate barrier to food intake, especially in the context of mucositis and laryngeal cancer.

A. Domestic violence assistance. B. Blood pressure screening. C. Immunizations that are available. D. Outreach for support group information.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Domestic violence assistance is an important topic, but it falls under secondary and tertiary prevention rather than primary disease prevention, which is the focus of this community outreach program. Primary prevention aims to prevent the disease from occurring in the first place, while domestic violence assistance addresses an existing issue.

Choice B rationale:

Blood pressure screening is valuable for early detection of hypertension, but it also falls under secondary prevention. Primary prevention focuses on preventing the onset of diseases through measures such as immunizations, health education, and lifestyle modifications.

Choice D rationale:

Outreach for support group information is essential for clients with chronic conditions or specific needs. However, it is not primarily related to preventing diseases at the population level, which is the primary goal of this community outreach program. This topic may be more relevant to secondary and tertiary prevention efforts.

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 client who is receiving radiation treatment for laryngeal cancer has developed xerostomia and mucositis. The nurse determines the client has an imbalanced nutritional intake and is consuming less than body requirements. Which factor is the most likely cause for this problem?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is preparing a community outreach program on primary disease prevention. Which topic should the nurse plan to include in this event?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Patient Data. Exhibits What are the signs and symptoms of DKA? Select all that apply.

A nurse is caring for a client who has hypertension and is prescribed metoprolol, a beta blocker. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?

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?

A new mother on the postpartum unit runs out of the room screaming that her newborn infant's crib is empty and the baby is missing. Which action should the nurse take first?

The practical nurse (PN) is assessing an older client with left-sided heart failure (HF). What intervention is most important for the PN to implement?

While caring for a client with a full-thickness burn covering 40% of the body surface area (BSA), the nurse observes purulent drainage at the wound. Before reporting this finding to the healthcare provider, the nurse should note which of the client's laboratory values?

After an increase in the number of suicides in a community, the nurse is developing a class for adolescents about mental health. Which type of activity should the nurse include in the teaching?

The nurse is providing education to a client who receives a prescription for zolpidem. Which information about the medication should the nurse include?