A client is viewing X-rays of a healing bone fracture and asks the nurse if the bone will ever be ‘normal’ again. Based on the nurse’s knowledge of bone healing, what is the best response?

Choice A reason: Kidney disease does not directly cause constipation. While it may cause fluid imbalances or medication side effects, it is not a primary factor in assessing constipation. Bowel function is more influenced by diet, activity, and medications, making kidney disease irrelevant as a routine assessment tool for this condition.

Choice B reason: Dietary intake, particularly low fiber or inadequate hydration, is a primary cause of constipation. Assessing fiber, fluid, and food types helps identify contributing factors, as low-fiber diets slow intestinal transit. This tool is essential in evaluating constipation, as diet directly impacts stool consistency and frequency.

Choice C reason: Routine physical activity affects bowel motility, as sedentary lifestyles slow peristalsis, contributing to constipation. Assessing activity levels identifies whether lack of movement is a factor. This tool is critical, as exercise promotes intestinal transit, making it a key component in constipation assessment.

Choice D reason: Medication history is vital, as drugs like opioids, anticholinergics, or calcium supplements can cause constipation by slowing gut motility or altering fluid balance. Assessing medications identifies potential causes, making this tool essential for a comprehensive constipation evaluation to guide appropriate interventions.

Choice A reason: A blood sugar of 50 mg/dL indicates hypoglycemia, not normal glucose levels (70-110 mg/dL). Symptoms like sweating and clamminess confirm this. Drinking water does not address hypoglycemia, as it lacks glucose to raise blood sugar, making this intervention inappropriate and potentially harmful.

Choice B reason: Hypoglycemia (50 mg/dL) with symptoms like sweating requires rapid glucose correction. Fruit juice with added sugar provides fast-acting carbohydrates (15-20g), raising blood sugar within minutes by stimulating glycogenolysis and glucose absorption. This is the most appropriate intervention to reverse hypoglycemia safely and effectively.

Choice C reason: Administering insulin during hypoglycemia (50 mg/dL) would further lower blood sugar, worsening symptoms and risking seizures or coma. Insulin drives glucose into cells, exacerbating the glucose deficit. This intervention is contraindicated and dangerous in the context of low blood sugar and neuroglycopenic symptoms.

Choice D reason: While consulting a healthcare provider may be needed for recurrent hypoglycemia, the immediate priority is correcting low blood sugar (50 mg/dL) with fast-acting carbohydrates. Delaying treatment by calling first risks prolonged hypoglycemia, potentially causing neurological damage, making this less appropriate than direct intervention.