A nurse is assessing a 2-year-old toddler.

Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

The correct answer is choice B. Increase exercise.

Exercise can help stimulate bowel movements and prevent constipation, which is a common side effect of opioid medications.

Exercise can also improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and enhance mood, which can benefit clients who have chronic pain.

Choice A is wrong because decreasing insoluble fiber intake can worsen constipation.

Insoluble fiber adds bulk to the stool and helps it pass more easily through the colon.

Clients who take opioid medications should increase their intake of insoluble fiber from sources such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds.

Choice C is wrong because drinking less water can lead to dehydration and hardening of the stool, which can make it more difficult to pass.

Clients who take opioid medications should drink plenty of water to keep the stool soft and moist.

Choice D is wrong because taking a laxative every day can cause dependence, tolerance, and electrolyte imbalance.

Laxatives should be used only as a last resort and under the guidance of a health care provider.

Clients who take opioid medications should try other methods of preventing constipation first, such as increasing exercise, fiber, and water intake.

The correct answer is choice C. Blow into the meter as hard and quickly as possible.

This is because a peak flow meter measures how fast you can push air out of your lungs when you blow out as hard and as fast as you can.

This is called peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) or peak expiratory flow (PEF). It shows how open the airways are in the lungs and can help detect early signs of worsening asthma.

Choice A is wrong because maintaining a semi-Fowler’s position during testing is not necessary. You can sit or stand up straight, but make sure you do it the same way each time.

Choice B is wrong because placing tongue on the mouthpiece of the meter can block the air flow and affect the accuracy of the measurement. You should close your lips tightly on the mouthpiece instead.

Choice D is wrong because recording the average of the readings is not recommended.

You should record the highest of the three readings on a sheet of paper, calendar or in your asthma diary. This is your daily peak flow.

Normal ranges for peak flow vary depending on age, height, gender and race. You can use a chart or calculator to find out your predicted normal peak flow based on these factors. However, it is more important to find out your personal best peak flow by performing peak flow testing twice a day for two weeks when your asthma is under good control. Your personal best peak flow will be used to create your asthma action plan with your healthcare provider.