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 B
Explanation
A. A Yankauer suction tip catheter is used for suctioning secretions and does not assess cardiac function or afterload.
B. A blood pressure cuff is essential for measuring blood pressure, which can indicate increased afterload through elevated systemic vascular resistance.
C. An oxygen cannula is used for delivering supplemental oxygen and does not provide information about cardiac afterload.
D. A pulse oximeter measures oxygen saturation, which is not directly related to assessing cardiac afterload.
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.