A nurse is assisting with the plan of care for an older adult client who has a new prescription for transdermal clonidine. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Choice A Reason:

Assisting the client to the restroom 30 minutes after meals is correct recommendation. This intervention aligns with the natural response of the gastrocolic reflex, which often leads to increased colonic motility after eating. Timing the restroom visit to this period can take advantage of the body's natural tendency to have a bowel movement after meals, potentially aiding in achieving bowel continence.

Choice B Reason:

Limiting the client's physical activity until bowel continence is achieved is not appropriate. Physical activity can actually stimulate bowel function and regularity. Moderate physical activity, as appropriate for the client's condition, can promote regular bowel movements. Restricting physical activity might hinder the overall success of bowel training.

Choice C Reason:

Limiting the client's fluid intake to 1500 mL/dayis not appropriate. Adequate hydration is crucial for bowel health and regularity. Limiting fluid intake could lead to dehydration and constipation, which can exacerbate fecal incontinence. It's important to encourage adequate hydration unless there are specific medical reasons to restrict fluids.

Choice D Reason:

Instructing the client to limit their intake of high-fiber foods is incorrect. High-fiber foods are beneficial for bowel regularity and can help manage fecal incontinence by promoting healthy bowel movements. Limiting high-fiber foods could potentially lead to constipation or exacerbate the issue of fecal incontinence.

Choice A Reason:
"I will perform breast exams the day my period begins." This statement is incorrect because performing breast exams just before or during your period might not be ideal. Breasts can be more tender or swollen during this time, which could make it harder to detect any abnormalities.
Choice B Reason:
"I will perform breast exams every other month." This statement is incorrect. Regular breast self-exams are important, but doing them every other month might not be frequent enough. It's generally recommended to perform breast self-exams once a month, ideally around the same time each month, to detect any changes or abnormalities early.
Choice C Reason:
"It is common for the skin on my breasts to dimple." This statement is incorrect. Dimpling or puckering of the skin on the breasts can sometimes be a sign of an underlying issue, such as breast cancer. It's not considered a normal or common occurrence, so this statement doesn't indicate an understanding of what to look for during a breast self-exam. If a person notices skin changes like dimpling, it's recommended to seek medical advice.
Choice D Reason:
"It is common for one breast to be larger than the other." This statement reflects an understanding that breast asymmetry, where one breast is slightly larger than the other, is a common and normal occurrence.