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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

A. Monitor collection container and replace when full: The nurse should monitor the collection container to ensure it doesn't become full, as this could cause backflow into the pleural cavity. Replacing it when full is essential to maintain proper drainage.

B. Encourage frequent use of the incentive spirometer: Using the incentive spirometer helps prevent atelectasis and pneumonia by promoting lung expansion. It is important for postoperative recovery to maintain good respiratory function.

C. Assess area around chest tube for subcutaneous emphysema: Subcutaneous emphysema can occur if air leaks into the tissues around the chest tube. The nurse should check for this condition as it could indicate complications like an air leak or pneumothorax.

D. Keep tubing loosely coiled below the level of the chest: The tubing should be positioned below the chest to facilitate gravity drainage. Keeping it loosely coiled ensures that fluid and air drain efficiently without backflow.

E. Verify air bubbling present in the water seal chamber: Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber is not expected and may indicate an air leak. Intermittent bubbling may be normal if the lung is still re-expanding, but ongoing bubbling should be reported, not simply verified.

A. The client reports she has been balancing periods of activity with rest B. She recently attended a large family wedding and became fatigued quickly C. She has continued to garden, and read, but crocheting is too painful D. She is tolerating weekly medication without side effects E. She describes pain as 1 to 2 on a 0 to 10 pain scale in bilateral hands F. She has noticed "heartburn" about an hour after using ibuprofen for pain relief G. The client is pleased with the improvements

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E","G"]

Explanation

Rationale for Correct Findings:

Balancing periods of activity with rest: This indicates effective self-management and understanding of a key principle in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Maintaining this balance helps prevent overexertion and joint flares while preserving mobility and function.
Client reports pain as 1 to 2 on a 0 to 10 pain scale in bilateral hands: The reduction in pain from a previous score of 3 to 1-2 indicates a positive response to treatment. Pain reduction is a key marker of progress in managing rheumatoid arthritis, especially with the initiation of methotrexate.
She is tolerating weekly medication without side effects: Tolerating methotrexate without side effects is a positive outcome. Methotrexate is a cornerstone treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, and its ability to be well-tolerated suggests good disease control.
The client is pleased with the improvements: The client’s satisfaction with her treatment and the improvements in her condition demonstrate effective management of her rheumatoid arthritis and a positive response to the prescribed interventions.

Rationale for Incorrect Findings:

She has continued to garden, but crocheting is too painful: The client’s inability to crochet due to pain suggests that joint function is still limited in certain fine motor activities. This shows that while some improvement has been made, the disease still affects specific functions.
She recently attended a large family wedding and became fatigued quickly: Fatigue is common in RA and suggests that the client’s energy levels still need better management. Overexertion could indicate a need for better pacing between rest and activity to avoid exacerbating symptoms.
She has noticed "heartburn" about an hour after using ibuprofen for pain relief: Heartburn is a common side effect of NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which could lead to gastrointestinal irritation. This issue requires attention, as it could progress to more serious gastrointestinal complications.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client who underwent a right lobectomy for lung cancer 24 hours ago and has a single chest tube on the right side. Which intervention(s) should the nurse plan to implement? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D"]

Explanation

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E","G"]

Explanation

The nurse is speaking with the spouse of a client who has passed away unexpectedly. The spouse is very calm and says, "No, there must be a mistake." Which action should the nurse take?

An older adult client is admitted to the psychiatric unit for assessment of a recent onset of dementia. The nurse notices that in the evening this client often becomes restless, confused, and agitated. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

A parent brings their child, who has a history of asthma, to the emergency room. The child is wheezing and speaking one word between each breath. The child is anxious, tachycardic, and has labored respirations. Which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?

The nurse implements a tertiary prevention program for type 2 diabetes mellitus in a rural health clinic. Which outcome indicates that the program was effective?

The mental health nurse is leading a group about relaxation and explains the benefits of deep breathing for relaxation. As a female client begins to explain how she uses yoga to relax, another client interrupts and asks, "What's yoga?" Which is the nurse's best response?

An older adult client is referred to a rehabilitation facility following a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). The client is aphasic with left sided paresis and is having difficulty swallowing. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to include in the client's plan of care?