A nurse is providing care for an elderly patient who is experiencing constipation.
What action should the nurse take?
Request a prescription for a stool softener from the provider.
Incorporate more fluids and fiber into the patient’s diet.
Encourage the patient to engage in active range-of-motion exercises.
Advise the patient to avoid foods that cause gas.
None
None
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Requesting a prescription for a stool softener from the provider could be a potential solution, but it’s not the first step. Medications should be considered when lifestyle modifications and dietary changes are not effective.
Choice B rationale:
Incorporating more fluids and fiber into the patient’s diet is the most appropriate action. Constipation in older adults can be caused by dehydration and not eating enough. Dietary fiber adds bulk to the diet and is capable of absorbing water, which helps to soften the stool and promote regular bowel movements. Therefore, increasing fluid and fiber intake is often the first step in managing constipation.
Choice C rationale:
Encouraging the patient to engage in active range-of-motion exercises might not directly alleviate constipation. While physical activity is generally beneficial for overall health, increased exercise does not improve symptoms of constipation in nursing home residents or older adults.
Choice D rationale:
Advising the patient to avoid foods that cause gas might help if the patient has bloating or gas, but it won’t necessarily address the issue of constipation. The focus should be on increasing fiber and fluid intake.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is: B. Decreased deep tendon reflexes.
Choice A rationale: Wheezing is not typically associated with hyperkalemia. It is more commonly related to respiratory conditions.
Choice B rationale: Hyperkalemia can cause decreased deep tendon reflexes due to the effect of high potassium levels on nerve conduction and muscle function.
Choice C rationale: Hypoactive bowel sounds are not a common sign of hyperkalemia. They are more often associated with gastrointestinal issues.
Choice D rationale: Cerebral edema is not related to hyperkalemia. It is usually associated with conditions affecting the brain, such as trauma or infections.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature, is not typically a symptom of diarrhea. While it’s possible for a person with severe diarrhea to experience chills or feel cold, hypothermia is not a direct result of diarrhea.
Choice B rationale:
A rigid abdomen is often a sign of a serious condition like peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum, the tissue that lines the inner wall of the abdomen), but it is not typically associated with diarrhea.
Choice C rationale:
Dehydration is a common complication of diarrhea. When a person has diarrhea, they can lose a lot of fluid and electrolytes quickly, leading to dehydration. Symptoms of dehydration can include thirst, less frequent urination, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion.
Choice D rationale:
Decreased bowel sounds are not typically associated with diarrhea. In fact, bowel sounds may actually increase in some cases of diarrhea due to increased gut motility.
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