A client reports passing 2 to 3 small, hard stools per week since being placed on a low-residue diet three months ago. Which type of laxative should the nurse expect the healthcare provider to recommend first?

Emollient.

Osmotic.

Bulk-forming.

Stimulant.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Emollient: Emollient (stool softener) laxatives like docusate sodium help moisten stool but do not significantly increase stool volume or stimulate bowel movement. They are gentle but typically insufficient for long-term, low-frequency constipation.

B. Osmotic: Osmotic laxatives draw water into the bowel to promote peristalsis. They are effective but may cause electrolyte imbalances if used chronically. These are often reserved for when bulk-forming agents are ineffective.

C. Bulk-forming: Bulk-forming laxatives such as psyllium are typically the first-line recommendation for chronic constipation. They mimic dietary fiber by absorbing water, increasing stool bulk, and promoting regular bowel movements with minimal side effects.

D. Stimulant: Stimulant laxatives like senna or bisacodyl are stronger agents that promote bowel motility but can cause dependency if used long-term. They are not recommended as first-line therapy for chronic constipation related to diet.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Hydrocortisone: Addison’s disease is characterized by insufficient cortisol production. The client’s symptoms, including weakness, confusion, and dehydration, along with laboratory values indicating low sodium, low glucose, and elevated potassium, suggest an adrenal crisis. Hydrocortisone is the primary.

B. Regular insulin: Regular insulin is used to lower blood glucose levels, but the client’s glucose level is already low, not high. Insulin could worsen the client's hypoglycemia. The focus should be on correcting the cortisol deficiency rather than administering insulin.

C. Broad spectrum antibiotic: While antibiotics may be needed if there’s a concern for infection, there’s no evidence of active infection here. The priority is addressing the client's Addisonian crisis, which is primarily treated with hydrocortisone, not antibiotics.

D. Potassium chloride: The client's potassium is elevated (5.3 mEq/L), but potassium chloride is not indicated in this case. The priority is to manage the underlying adrenal crisis, which will address the electrolyte imbalance.

A. Avoid straining at stool, bending, or lifting heavy objects. B. Irrigate conjunctiva with ophthalmic saline prior to instilling antibiotic ointment. C. Do not read without direct lighting for 6 weeks. D. Limit exposure to sunlight during the first 2 weeks when the cornea is healing.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Avoid straining at stool, bending, or lifting heavy objects: These activities can increase intraocular pressure and disrupt healing of the surgical site after cataract extraction. The client should be taught to avoid anything that could strain the eye and risk complications like hemorrhage or wound dehiscence.

B. Irrigate conjunctiva with ophthalmic saline prior to instilling antibiotic ointment:
Routine irrigation is not required and may introduce additional risk. Clients are instructed on proper hand hygiene and drop instillation rather than conjunctival irrigation.

C. Do not read without direct lighting for 6 weeks: While good lighting helps reduce eye strain, reading in lower light does not delay healing after cataract surgery. This instruction is unnecessary and could limit the client’s ability to resume normal activities.

D. Limit exposure to sunlight during the first 2 weeks when the cornea is healing: Although bright light can be uncomfortable post-surgery, wearing sunglasses typically offers sufficient protection. There is no requirement to restrict sunlight exposure completely.

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A client reports passing 2 to 3 small, hard stools per week since being placed on a low-residue diet three months ago. Which type of laxative should the nurse expect the healthcare provider to recommend first?

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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