A client with heart failure reports not having had a bowel movement in 2 days. Why would it be important for the nurse to obtain a prescription for a stool softener?

The client should have a bowel movement every day to avoid development of an intestinal obstruction.

The client can develop a rectal fissure, which will increase pain levels.

The client should not develop hemorrhoids.

Straining engages the Valsalva maneuver, which can cause dangerous effects.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. The client should have a bowel movement every day to avoid development of an intestinal obstruction: While regular bowel movements are important, going two days without one is not uncommon and does not usually lead to obstruction. The priority in heart failure is avoiding strain, not frequency alone.
B. The client can develop a rectal fissure, which will increase pain levels: Although rectal fissures can occur with hard stools, they are not the primary concern in a heart failure patient. The hemodynamic effects of straining pose a greater immediate risk.
C. The client should not develop hemorrhoids: Preventing hemorrhoids is beneficial but not critical in the context of heart failure. The concern with straining extends beyond local complications like hemorrhoids to systemic cardiovascular effects.
D. Straining engages the Valsalva maneuver, which can cause dangerous effects: The Valsalva maneuver increases intrathoracic pressure, reducing venous return and cardiac output. In clients with heart failure, this can trigger arrhythmias, syncope, or even cardiac decompensation, making stool softeners essential for prevention.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Let your feelings of anger out so you can resolve the issues before they cause illness:
While expressing anger is important, simply "letting it out" without control can lead to aggression or harmful interactions. Venting without resolution may not lead to effective emotional processing.
B. Use physical exercise to channel your anger in another direction: Physical activity can help manage anger, but this only addresses symptoms, not the underlying causes or unhealthy expression patterns. It is a useful strategy but not the most comprehensive answer.
C. Suppressing anger and excessively expressing anger can negatively affect the body: Both unexpressed and overly intense anger responses can lead to physiological stress, such as hypertension or cardiac strain. Healthy anger management involves balanced emotional awareness and controlled expression.
D. Eliminate the sources of stress causing anger from your lifestyle: Completely removing stressors is often unrealistic. A more effective approach involves learning coping strategies and emotional regulation rather than expecting to avoid all triggers.

A. Participate in a study group and prepare well before exams. B. Use breathing techniques to reduce anxiety. C. Write "I can do this" on an index card and place in view. D. Use meditation prior to exams.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Participate in a study group and prepare well before exams: While preparation reduces uncertainty and improves confidence, it is a general academic strategy. It does not directly address acute anxiety symptoms during the test-taking moment.
B. Use breathing techniques to reduce anxiety: Breathing exercises activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping lower heart rate and calm the mind. This behavioral technique is effective in managing immediate physiological symptoms of anxiety during testing.
C. Write "I can do this" on an index card and place in view: Positive affirmations may boost confidence but do not directly reduce the body’s physical stress response. They are supportive but less effective in the moment compared to relaxation techniques.
D. Use meditation prior to exams: Meditation is helpful for long-term stress management, but breathing techniques are easier to apply in real-time situations. For acute anxiety just before or during testing, breathing exercises offer more immediate relief.

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A client with heart failure reports not having had a bowel movement in 2 days. Why would it be important for the nurse to obtain a prescription for a stool softener?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is instructing a client in a physician's office. Which instruction is most accurate when advising the client on the feelings of anger?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A client who is a nursing student reports increased anxiety with test taking. Which behavioral technique is most appropriate for this client to put into practice?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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