A laxative has been ordered for a patient.
The nurse checks the patient’s medical history and would be concerned if which condition is present?
Diverticulosis
High ammonia levels due to liver failure
Abdominal pain of unknown origin
Chronic constipation
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Diverticulosis is a condition where small pouches, called diverticula, form in the wall of the colon. While it can cause discomfort and complications, it is not a contraindication for laxative use. Laxatives can actually help prevent constipation, which can exacerbate diverticulosis.
Choice B rationale
High ammonia levels due to liver failure can cause serious health problems, including hepatic encephalopathy, a decline in brain function. However, it is not directly related to the use of laxatives. Laxatives work primarily in the colon, not the liver.
Choice C rationale
Abdominal pain of unknown origin could be a sign of a serious condition, such as an intestinal obstruction or appendicitis. Using a laxative could worsen these conditions. Therefore, it’s important to identify the cause of the abdominal pain before using a laxative.
Choice D rationale
Chronic constipation is often treated with laxatives. They work by softening the stool or stimulating the bowel to pass stool. Therefore, chronic constipation is not a contraindication for laxative use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A persistent cough is not directly related to the administration of famotidine. Famotidine is a histamine-2 blocker that works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach produces. It is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines and to treat conditions in which the stomach produces too much acid. A persistent cough could be a symptom of many other conditions, but it is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of famotidine.
Choice B rationale
The absence of a sour taste in the mouth, often associated with acid reflux, could suggest that famotidine is working as it should. However, the absence of a sour taste does not definitively indicate that the medication has had its intended effect, as the patient may not have experienced this symptom even before taking the medication.
Choice C rationale
Famotidine is used to decrease the amount of acid in the stomach. A normal stomach pH is typically around 1.5 to 3.5, which is highly acidic. If a patient’s stomach pH is measured at 5, which is less acidic than normal, it could suggest that the famotidine has not had its intended effect of reducing stomach acid.
Choice D rationale
While headaches are listed as a common side effect of famotidine, the presence of headaches does not necessarily suggest that the medication has not had its intended effect. Headaches could be caused by a variety of factors and are not a direct indicator of the level of stomach acid or the effectiveness of famotidine.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation. While it’s important to monitor digoxin levels in patients receiving gentamicin due to the risk of increased digoxin levels, it’s not the most concerning medication.
Choice B rationale
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause ototoxicity, especially when used with aminoglycosides like gentamicin. Therefore, this is the medication the nurse should be most concerned about.
Choice C rationale
Prednisolone is a corticosteroid medication. While it’s important to monitor for potential interactions, it’s not the most concerning medication in this context.
Choice D rationale
Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication. While it’s important to monitor for potential interactions, it’s not the most concerning medication in this context.
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