A nurse is preparing to administer metoprolol 300 mg PO daily.

The amount available is metoprolol 100 mg/tablet.

How many tablets should the nurse administer? (Round the answer to the nearest whole number.

Write number only). —

Choice A rationale

Overflow incontinence occurs when the bladder becomes overly full and distended, exceeding its capacity, leading to involuntary loss of small amounts of urine frequently. This is often due to an obstruction, such as an enlarged prostate, or poor detrusor muscle contractility, resulting in incomplete bladder emptying and retention. The clinical picture of frequent leakage and bladder distension confirms this type.

Choice B rationale

Reflex incontinence involves the involuntary loss of urine that occurs at somewhat predictable intervals when the bladder volume reaches a specific level. This type is typically associated with spinal cord damage or neurological impairment above the sacral reflex arc, which causes the detrusor muscle to contract reflexively without the client's sensation of needing to void.

Choice C rationale

Urge incontinence is characterized by the sudden, strong urge to void immediately preceding an involuntary loss of urine. It is typically caused by bladder instability or overactivity of the detrusor muscle, often termed an overactive bladder. The client with urge incontinence generally does not have associated urinary retention or chronic bladder distension.

Choice D rationale

Stress incontinence involves the involuntary leakage of small amounts of urine that occurs with increased intra-abdominal pressure, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, or physical exertion. This is usually due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and/or a deficient urethral sphincter mechanism, which cannot withstand the momentary pressure increase. —.

Choice A rationale

Hypothermia, which is a body temperature below 35 degrees C (95 degrees F), is not a typical finding with simple diarrhea. Diarrhea, especially if caused by an infectious agent, is more likely to cause a slight fever or a normal temperature as the body mounts an immune response. Severe dehydration may cause slight fluctuations, but not reliably hypothermia.

Choice B rationale

Decreased or hypoactive bowel sounds indicate reduced intestinal motility, which is commonly associated with an obstruction, paralytic ileus, or constipation. Diarrhea, conversely, is characterized by increased, hyperactive bowel sounds as a result of the rapid movement of intestinal contents through the gastrointestinal tract due to increased peristalsis.

Choice C rationale

Protracted diarrhea leads to a significant loss of water and electrolytes, primarily sodium and potassium, from the gastrointestinal tract. This loss exceeds fluid intake, resulting in extracellular fluid volume deficit, known as dehydration. Clinical signs include poor skin turgor, dry mucous membranes, and concentrated urine (normal urine specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.030).

Choice D rationale

A rigid abdomen is a critical sign of peritoneal inflammation or irritation, often indicating a serious acute condition like peritonitis, appendicitis, or a perforated viscus, which may or may not be the direct cause of the diarrhea. Simple diarrhea typically does not cause a rigid abdomen; the abdomen is usually soft and potentially distended or tender. —.