A client comes to the emergency department complaining of abdominal cramping and severe persistent diarrhea. The client has recently traveled outside of the United States to an area that may be prone to water contamination. The physician has written several orders. Which assessment and diagnostic physician order would be the first priority for the nurse to complete based on the patient's symptoms?
Abdominal sounds and colonoscopy.
Bowel sounds and obtain a stool specimen.
Abdominal inspection and kidney, bowel, and ureter x-ray.
Bowel palpation and abdominal x-ray.
The Correct Answer is B
The correct answer is choice B: Bowel sounds and obtain a stool specimen.
When a client presents with abdominal cramping and persistent diarrhea, obtaining a stool specimen is the first priority to determine the cause of the diarrhea. The stool specimen can be sent to the laboratory for analysis to check for the presence of bacteria, viruses, or parasites. The nurse should also assess bowel sounds as part of the client's abdominal assessment to monitor for any changes in bowel motility. The other options listed are not the first priority in this situation and may be ordered after the cause of the diarrhea has been determined.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B, Use water and mild soap.
When teaching a patient about ostomy care, the nurse should instruct the patient to clean the area around the ostomy with water and mild soap. Using a whirlpool bath, alcohol-based sanitizer, or chlorhexidine or HCG is not recommended as they can irritate the skin and damage the stoma. Cleansing the ostomy area with water and mild soap is the best way to maintain the skin's integrity and prevent irritation and infection.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choices B, C, and D.
When assessing respiratory rate, it is important to count for a full respiratory cycle, which includes both inhalation and exhalation. If the respiratory rate is regular, the nurse can count for 30 seconds and multiply by 2 to obtain the total number of breaths per minute. The nurse should also observe the depth and rhythm of the respirations, noting any abnormalities or changes. It is not recommended to pretend to take the radial pulse while assessing respiratory rate, as this can lead to inaccurate readings and is not a professional approach to care
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