A terminally ill patient is experiencing constipation secondary to pain medication. Which is the best method for the nurse to improve the patient's constipation problem?
Contact the health care provider to discontinue pain medication.
Massage the patient's abdomen.
Use a laxative.
Administer enemas twice daily for 7 days.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Discontinuing pain medication may not be appropriate, as it can lead to inadequate pain management for the patient. Pain management is crucial for terminally ill patients.
B. While abdominal massage may help relieve mild constipation, it is not a reliable primary intervention for more severe constipation caused by medication.
C. Laxatives are commonly prescribed for constipation related to pain medication and are an effective method to promote bowel movements, making this the best choice.
D. Administering enemas twice daily can be excessive and may cause discomfort or lead to dependency, making this option less favorable than using laxatives.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. The superior vena cava is responsible for returning deoxygenated blood from the upper body to the heart and is not directly involved in myocardial ischemia.
B. The carotid artery supplies blood to the brain and is not the primary focus in the context of myocardial infarction.
C. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs and is not involved in coronary circulation.
D. The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle itself. Ischemia during a myocardial infarction occurs when these arteries are blocked or narrowed, leading to a lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart tissue.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. While hospice care is appropriate for those with terminal illnesses, the criteria are more specifically defined by life expectancy rather than just the diagnosis itself.
B. Although pain management is a significant aspect of hospice care, the criteria for eligibility focus on life expectancy rather than need for pain management alone.
C. Completion of an advance directive is encouraged but not a specific criterion for hospice care; patients can receive hospice services without having an advance directive in place.
D. Hospice care is typically designated for patients who are expected to live less than 6 months, focusing on providing comfort and support in the final stages of life.