A nurse is administering a tap-water enema to a client. The client reports cramping as the nurse instills the irrigating solution. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to relieve the client's discomfort?
Lower the height of the solution container.
Stop the enema and document that the client did not tolerate the procedure.
Encourage the client to bear down
Allow the client to expel some fluid before continuing
The Correct Answer is D
When the client experiences cramping during the enema administration, it indicates that the colon is becoming distended. By allowing the client to expel some of the fluid, the pressure in the colon is reduced, which can help alleviate the discomfort and cramping. The nurse should pause the administration of the enema and allow the client to release some fluid before continuing.
The other options mentioned are not appropriate or effective actions to relieve the client's discomfort:
Lowering the height of the solution container: Lowering the height of the solution container will decrease the force of the fluid flow but may not address the underlying cause of the cramping. Allowing the client to expel some fluid is a more appropriate intervention.
Stopping the enema and documenting that the client did not tolerate the procedure: While it is important to monitor the client's tolerance during the procedure, abruptly stopping the enema and documenting intolerance may not be necessary if the discomfort can be relieved by allowing the client to expel some fluid. The nurse should prioritize relieving the discomfort before deciding to stop the procedure.
Encouraging the client to bear down: Bearing down or pushing can increase intra-abdominal pressure and exacerbate the cramping. This action is not recommended in this situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["25"]
Explanation
To calculate the infusion rate in drops per minute (gtt/min), we can use the following formula: Infusion rate (gtt/min) = (Volume to be infused (ml) * Drop factor) / Time (min) Given:
Volume to be infused: 100 ml
Drop factor: 60 gtt/ml
Time: 4 hr
First, we need to convert the time from hours to minutes:
4 hr * 60 min/hr = 240 min
Now, we can calculate the infusion rate:
Infusion rate (gtt/min) = (100 ml * 60 gtt/ml) / 240 min
Simplifying the equation:
Infusion rate (gtt/min) = 6000 gtt / 240 min
Dividing both sides:
Infusion rate (gtt/min) ≈ 25 gtt/min
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
After administering lactulose to a client with cirrhosis, the nurse should monitor for the adverse effects of diarrhea. Lactulose is a laxative commonly used in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, which can occur in individuals with cirrhosis. One of the intended effects of lactulose is to promote bowel movements and reduce the absorption of ammonia in the gut, thus helping to manage hepatic encephalopathy.
While lactulose can cause adverse effects such as diarrhea, it is not typically associated with peripheral edema. Peripheral edema is often seen in cirrhosis due to fluid retention caused by liver dysfunction.
Dry mouth and headache are less commonly associated with lactulose use and are not typically the primary adverse effects to monitor for in this scenario.
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