A nurse is planning care for a client who is postoperative and at risk for paralytic ileus.
Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to take to promote peristalsis?

Choice A rationale

Encouraging the patient to write down questions promotes active engagement in their care and ensures that all their concerns are addressed during the consultation with the provider. This empowers the patient to seek clarification and understand the proposed plan of care directly from the healthcare professional responsible for it.

Choice B rationale

Providing internet articles about colon cancer stages can overwhelm the newly diagnosed patient with potentially complex and sometimes unreliable information. The specifics of the patient's diagnosis and treatment plan should come directly from their healthcare provider, who can tailor the information to their individual situation and answer specific questions.

Choice C rationale

While it is true that the provider will explain the planned treatment, this response does not actively address the patient's immediate need for information and may make the patient feel dismissed. Encouraging the patient to prepare questions ensures a more productive and informative discussion with the provider.

Choice D rationale

Explaining treatment options based on cancer stage is the responsibility of the healthcare provider, who has the complete clinical picture and can discuss the risks, benefits, and potential outcomes of each option in the context of the patient's specific case. The nurse's role at this stage is to facilitate communication between the patient and the provider, not to provide detailed medical explanations.

Choice A rationale

Decreased right knee range of motion is a common finding in older adults due to age-related degenerative changes like osteoarthritis. While it warrants assessment, it does not necessarily indicate an acute issue requiring immediate intervention unless accompanied by pain, swelling, or functional limitations.

Choice B rationale

Report of left hip aching when jogging could be related to musculoskeletal issues like arthritis or muscle strain, which are not uncommon in older adults. Further assessment is needed to determine the cause and appropriate management, but it does not immediately signal a critical issue requiring urgent intervention.

Choice C rationale

A history of recent loss of balance and a fall in a 77-year-old patient is a significant finding that requires further nursing assessment and intervention. Falls in older adults can lead to serious injuries such as fractures, and a recent history suggests an underlying issue affecting stability and safety. This necessitates investigation into potential causes and implementation of fall prevention strategies.

Choice D rationale

Occasional mild constipation is a common complaint among older adults due to factors like decreased physical activity, dietary changes, and medication side effects. While it should be addressed with appropriate interventions like increased fiber and fluids, it does not typically require immediate or urgent nursing intervention unless it is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. .