A nurse is teaching about preventing constipation to a client who has a new prescription for oxycodone. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Choice A reason: Percussion precedes palpation to assess abdominal resonance and organ size without altering bowel motility. Performing it last risks inaccurate findings, as palpation may stimulate peristalsis, changing resonance patterns. This sequence ensures reliable detection of abnormalities like organomegaly or fluid accumulation in the abdomen.
Choice B reason: Auscultation is done before palpation to capture natural bowel sounds. Manipulation during palpation can alter peristalsis, affecting auscultatory findings. Early auscultation ensures accurate detection of hypoactive or hyperactive bowel sounds, critical for diagnosing conditions like ileus or obstruction in abdominal assessments.
Choice C reason: Palpation is the final step, following inspection, auscultation, and percussion, to assess for tenderness or masses. This sequence prevents manipulation from altering earlier findings, ensuring accurate identification of abdominal abnormalities like peritonitis or organ enlargement, critical for a comprehensive physical examination.
Choice D reason: Inspection is the first step, providing a visual baseline of abdominal appearance, such as distension or scars. Performing it last misses initial cues guiding subsequent steps. Early inspection ensures no manipulation affects visual assessment, vital for identifying external signs of underlying abdominal pathology.

Choice A reason: Monitoring for hypoglycemia is not a priority in bacterial meningitis, as it is not a common complication. The focus is on neurological risks like seizures or increased intracranial pressure due to inflammation. This action diverts attention from critical interventions, making it inappropriate for managing meningitis.
Choice B reason: Implementing seizure precautions is essential for bacterial meningitis, as inflammation of the meninges can irritate the brain, increasing seizure risk. Precautions like padded bed rails and anticonvulsant readiness ensure safety and prompt response, aligning with evidence-based care for this condition, making it the correct action.
Choice C reason: Placing the client in high-Fowler’s position may increase discomfort or exacerbate intracranial pressure in bacterial meningitis. A 30-degree head elevation is preferred to reduce pressure while maintaining comfort. This position is not optimal, making it an incorrect choice for this condition.
Choice D reason: Administering antiviral medications is inappropriate, as bacterial meningitis requires antibiotics, not antivirals, which target viral infections. Misusing antivirals delays effective treatment and worsens outcomes, making this action incorrect and potentially harmful for managing bacterial meningitis.