Which patient would most likely benefit from a sitz bath?

Choice A rationale:

Side effect: A side effect is an effect of a drug that is secondary to the main intended effect. It is usually predictable and may be either beneficial or harmful. However, constipation is not a common or expected side effect of iron supplements. It is more likely to be an adverse reaction.

Choice B rationale:

Therapeutic effect: The therapeutic effect is the intended effect of a drug, the one that is desired to treat the condition. In this case, the therapeutic effect of the iron supplement would be to increase the patient's iron levels. Constipation is not the desired effect of the iron supplement, so it is not a therapeutic effect.

Choice C rationale:

Adverse reaction: An adverse reaction is an unwanted or harmful reaction to a drug that is not necessarily predictable. It can range from mild to severe. Constipation is a common adverse reaction to iron supplements. It is thought to be caused by the iron binding to undigested food in the intestines, making it harder to pass stool.

Choice D rationale:

Toxicity: Toxicity refers to a poisonous or harmful effect of a drug. It is usually caused by taking too much of a drug or by a drug interacting with another drug or substance. Constipation is not a sign of iron toxicity. Iron toxicity can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

Choice A rationale:

Splinting the incision when coughing helps to minimize pain and discomfort, which can encourage deeper breathing and coughing. This is essential because deep breathing and coughing help to clear secretions from the lungs and prevent atelectasis (collapse of lung tissue).

Steps for splinting the incision:

Place a pillow or folded towel over the incision site.

Instruct the patient to apply gentle pressure to the pillow or towel with their hands when coughing or deep breathing. Encourage the patient to relax their abdominal muscles during coughing and deep breathing exercises.

Choice B rationale:

Sitting up in a chair and ambulating promote lung expansion and help to mobilize secretions. This is because gravity assists in moving secretions from the smaller airways into the larger airways, where they can be more easily coughed up.

Additional benefits of sitting up and ambulating: Improved circulation

Decreased risk of pneumonia Enhanced recovery from surgery Choice C rationale:

Using an incentive spirometer hourly helps to increase lung capacity and prevent atelectasis. The device encourages the patient to take slow, deep breaths, which helps to inflate the alveoli (air sacs) in the lungs.

Instructions for using an incentive spirometer:

Sit upright in a chair or bed.

Place the mouthpiece of the spirometer in your mouth and seal your lips around it.

Inhale slowly and deeply through the mouthpiece, aiming to raise the piston inside the device as high as possible. Hold your breath for 3-5 seconds.

Exhale slowly and completely through the mouthpiece.

Repeat the process 10-15 times per hour, or as instructed by your healthcare provider.