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 ["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. Certification relates to additional qualifications and does not directly involve independent nursing actions in patient care.
B. Licensure is the legal permission to practice nursing but does not describe decision-making and action in patient care.
C. Autonomy is demonstrated when the nurse independently assesses the patient’s fluid status and takes action to promote health by encouraging fluid intake. This reflects the nurse’s ability to make decisions and act based on professional judgment.
D. Accountability refers to being responsible for one's actions but does not specifically cover the independent decision-making shown here.