A client with obesity is prescribed orlistat for weight loss. The client asks the nurse, "I understand the medication prevents digestion of fat, but what side effects does this cause?" Which of the following responses by the nurse are correct? SELECT ALL THAT APPLY
Oily stools are common, especially when excessive fat is consumed.
Many patients note having an increase of gas and flatus.
Constipation is a common side effect with this medication.
Some patients report the development of fecal incontinence.
This medication doesn't really have any side effects because you can buy it over the counter.
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A reason: Oily stools are common, especially when excessive fat is consumed, because orlistat blocks the absorption of fat in the intestines. The undigested fat is then eliminated in the stool, making it oily, greasy, or foul-smelling.
Choice B reason: Many patients note having an increase of gas and flatus, because orlistat can also interfere with the digestion of carbohydrates and proteins, causing fermentation and gas production in the colon.
Choice C reason: Constipation is not a common side effect with this medication. In fact, orlistat may cause the opposite effect of diarrhea, as the unabsorbed fat can irritate the bowel and increase the motility.
Choice D reason: Some patients report the development of fecal incontinence, because orlistat can cause unpredictable bowel movements and difficulty in controlling the passage of stool, especially if the patient consumes a high-fat diet.
Choice E reason: This medication does have side effects, even though it can be bought over the counter. Orlistat is a prescription-strength drug that can cause serious adverse reactions, such as liver damage, kidney stones, gallbladder problems, and vitamin deficiencies. The over-the-counter version is a lower dose than the prescription one, but it still requires medical supervision and lifestyle changes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is not the best response for the nurse to give. The surgeon will not encourage the client to limit their fat intake after an appendectomy, as this has nothing to do with the appendix. The appendix is a small pouch attached to the beginning of the large intestine, not the small intestine where most of the fat digestion and absorption occurs.
Choice B reason: This statement is not the best response for the nurse to give. The appendix does play a role in the immune system and the gut microbiome, as it contains lymphoid tissue and beneficial bacteria. The client may notice some changes in their immunity or digestion after an appendectomy, especially if they have an infection or take antibiotics.
Choice C reason: This statement is not the best response for the nurse to give. The appendix does not affect the absorption of nutrients from the food the client eats, as it is not involved in the digestive process. The appendix is located at the end of the small intestine, where most of the nutrients have already been absorbed.
Choice D reason: This statement is the best response for the nurse to give. The appendix is not essential for survival, and the small intestine can adapt to its removal over time. The client may experience some temporary symptoms such as diarrhea, bloating, or gas after an appendectomy, but these usually resolve within a few weeks. The nurse should reassure the client that they can live a normal and healthy life without an appendix.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is a correct finding for a client with an obstruction of the common bile duct. Fatty stools are caused by the reduced or absent flow of bile into the intestine, which impairs the digestion and absorption of fats.
Choice B reason: This is not a correct finding for a client with an obstruction of the common bile duct. Tenderness in the left upper abdomen may indicate a problem with the spleen, the stomach, or the pancreas, but not the bile duct.
Choice C reason: This is not a correct finding for a client with an obstruction of the common bile duct. Ecchymosis of the extremities is a bruising of the skin due to bleeding under the surface. It may be caused by trauma, medication, or bleeding disorders, but not by bile duct obstruction.
Choice D reason: This is not a correct finding for a client with an obstruction of the common bile duct. Pale-colored urine is a sign of dilute or low concentration of urine, which may be caused by excessive fluid intake, diabetes insipidus, or kidney failure, but not by bile duct obstruction.
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