A nurse is teaching an older adult client who reports constipation. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Limit activity.
Drink four to five glasses of water daily.
Increase dietary intake of raw vegetables.
Bear down hard when defecating.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Limiting activity can contribute to constipation, so the nurse should encourage regular physical activity to promote bowel function.
B. Drinking four to five glasses of water daily is insufficient; older adults typically need at least 6-8 glasses to help prevent constipation.
C. Increasing dietary intake of raw vegetables provides fiber, which is essential for promoting bowel regularity and preventing constipation. This recommendation aligns with dietary guidelines for improving gastrointestinal health.
D. Bearing down hard when defecating can lead to complications such as hemorrhoids or valsalva maneuvers, so clients should be taught to relax and allow for a natural bowel movement instead.
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Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A guaiac test does not check for parasites. Tests for parasites typically involve microscopic examination of the stool or other specialized tests.
B. Steatorrhea refers to fat in the stool, and this is detected through tests that measure fat content in the stool, not a guaiac test.
C. A guaiac test is specifically used to detect occult (hidden) blood in the stool, which can indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, polyps, or colorectal cancer.
D. Bacteria in the stool is detected through stool cultures, not a guaiac test.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Placing the client supine with knees bent helps reduce abdominal pressure, but it is not the first action. Protecting the exposed organs from infection or drying out takes priority.
B. Assessing for manifestations of shock is important, but the immediate concern is to prevent further injury or infection to the exposed tissues.
C. The priority action when a wound eviscerates is to cover the area with a sterile dressing moistened with 0.9% sodium chloride solution to keep the organs moist and prevent infection until surgical repair can be done.
D. Raising the head of the bed slightly may help reduce pressure, but it is not the most immediate action compared to covering the exposed organs to prevent drying or infection.