A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing muscle spasms and has a new prescription for an aquathermia pad. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

The correct answer is choice A. Auscultate the client's abdomen for bowel sounds. This is the first action the nurse should take because it provides information about the client's bowel motility and function. Opioid medications can decrease bowel motility and cause constipation. The nurse should assess the client's abdomen before implementing any interventions.

• Choice B is not correct because providing privacy and a set time to defecate is a nonpharmacological intervention that can help prevent constipation, but it is not the first action the nurse should take.
• Choice C is not correct because administering a fiber-based laxative is a pharmacological intervention that can help treat constipation, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should also consider the client's fluid intake and preference before giving a laxative.
• Choice D is not correct because encouraging the client to increase oral intake of fluids is a nonpharmacological intervention that can help prevent constipation, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. The nurse should also consider the client's fluid balance and medical condition before giving fluids.

The correct answer is choice C. The client's lactose intolerance places her at an increased risk for osteoporosis, as dairy products are a rich source of calcium and vitamin D, which are important for bone health. Walking daily and gardening may actually help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis, as physical activity can help to strengthen bones. Drinking red wine in moderation may provide some benefits for cardiovascular health and may not necessarily increase the risk of osteoporosis.
Reason why each of the other choices are not answers:

A is not correct because walking daily can help to improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

B is not correct because gardening can also provide physical activity and help to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

D is not correct because propranolol does not typically cause increased hair growth, and requesting a dosage increase based on apical heart rate may not be necessary for all clients taking this medication.