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.
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Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. A patient with an indwelling catheter requires regular perineal care to prevent infection due to increased risk from the catheter.
B. Urinary and fecal incontinence increase the risk of skin breakdown and infection, necessitating frequent perineal care.
C. Surgical dressings in the rectal and genital areas require perineal care to maintain hygiene and prevent wound contamination.
D. Bariatric patients often need regular perineal care due to skin folds and increased risk of moisture-related skin breakdown.
E. A circumcised, ambulatory male typically has a lower risk of infection and may not require as frequent perineal care unless other factors are present.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While monitoring cardiac output can provide insights into heart function, it does not directly determine the presence of dysrhythmias.
B. Peripheral extremity circulation is influenced by cardiac output but is not the primary focus of monitoring it.
C. Cardiac output is essential for determining the heart's ability to meet the body's oxygenation requirements; low cardiac output can lead to inadequate oxygen delivery.
D. Ventilation status refers to the respiratory function and is not directly assessed through cardiac output measurements.