Which response is best when a patient refuses a stool softener after pituitary surgery?

"You need the stool softener because it will be hard to defecate while you remain in bed."

"Any manipulation of the pituitary gland can cause difficulty in defecation, so stool softeners are important after your surgery."

"It is important you do not strain during bowel movements because this could result in increased pressure on your surgical site."

"You can choose not to take the stool softener if you feel you do not need it."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. "You need the stool softener because it will be hard to defecate while you remain in bed.": This is not the most appropriate response. While immobility can make bowel movements more difficult, the primary concern following pituitary surgery is the avoidance of straining due to the potential for increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The emphasis should be on avoiding pressure on the surgical site rather than general difficulties from immobility.
B. "Any manipulation of the pituitary gland can cause difficulty in defecation, so stool softeners are important after your surgery.": This is misleading. While pituitary surgery may influence certain bodily functions, the most critical concern is preventing straining to avoid raising ICP. The focus should be on explaining the rationale for avoiding pressure on the surgical site.
C. "It is important you do not strain during bowel movements because this could result in increased pressure on your surgical site.": This is the correct response. Straining during bowel movements can increase ICP, which could potentially compromise healing or lead to complications after pituitary surgery. This explanation directly addresses the patient's safety and emphasizes the need for stool softeners to prevent straining.
D. "You can choose not to take the stool softener if you feel you do not need it.": This response is inappropriate because it does not emphasize the importance of preventing straining, which is a critical consideration after pituitary surgery. The nurse should provide education on the necessity of the stool softener to avoid complications rather than leaving the decision solely to the patient.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Maintaining an IV of 0.45% sodium chloride would not be appropriate for SIADH because it is a hypotonic solution, and it could exacerbate the already low sodium levels in the patient, potentially worsening hyponatremia.
B. Fluid restriction is the primary treatment for SIADH as it helps reduce water retention, which is causing the dilution of sodium in the blood. Restricting fluid intake to 1,000 mL per day helps manage hyponatremia in these patients.
C. A diet containing 2 g of sodium per day is not typically indicated in SIADH. Restricting fluid is the main focus, and increasing sodium intake can often be counterproductive in SIADH, as the sodium imbalance is primarily due to excessive water retention.
D. Desmopressin acetate is typically used in diabetes insipidus, not SIADH. Desmopressin acts as an antidiuretic hormone (ADH) agonist, which would worsen the water retention in SIADH, not improve it.

A. Clubbing of the fingernails B. Tracheal deviation C. Contraction of the diaphragm D. Auscultation of rhonchi throughout the lungs

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Clubbing of the fingernails is typically a sign of chronic hypoxia and is seen in conditions like cystic fibrosis, COPD, and other respiratory or cardiovascular diseases. It is a long-term issue and does not indicate an immediate emergency.
B. Tracheal deviation is a medical emergency and typically indicates tension pneumothorax, where air accumulates in the pleural space, shifting the trachea away from the affected side. This can compress the heart and lungs, leading to respiratory and circulatory collapse, requiring immediate action.
C. Contraction of the diaphragm may refer to normal breathing mechanics and does not indicate an immediate emergency unless it is associated with respiratory distress or failure.
D. Rhonchi are abnormal lung sounds often associated with mucus in the airways and can be heard in conditions like bronchitis or COPD. Although they may require attention, they do not represent an immediate emergency compared to tracheal deviation.

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Which response is best when a patient refuses a stool softener after pituitary surgery?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) and a sodium level of 123 mEq/L. Which of the following prescriptions should the nurse anticipate?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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