A patient is having trouble defecating into a bed pan while lying in bed. Which action by the nurse would assist the patient in having a successful bowel movement?

Administering laxatives to the patient

Preparing to administer a cleansing enema

Withholding narcotic pain medication for at least 2 hours until the patient had a bowel movement successfully.

Raising the head of the bed to a semi or high Fowlers position

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Raising the head of the bed to a semi or high Fowler's position (sitting up at a 30-45-degree angle) can assist the patient in having a successful bowel movement while using a bedpan. This position helps to facilitate gravity, making it easier for the patient to bear down and evacuate their bowels.

Administering laxatives to the patient in (option A) is incorrect because laxatives are medications that help promote bowel movements. While they may be used in some cases of constipation, they might not be the immediate solution for a patient having difficulty using a bedpan.

Preparing to administer a cleansing enema in (option B) is incorrect because Enemas involve introducing liquid into the rectum to stimulate bowel movements. They are typically used for more severe cases of constipation or as part of a bowel preparation before certain medical procedures. For a patient who is simply having trouble using a bedpan while lying in bed, an enema may not be necessary or appropriate at this time.

Withholding narcotic pain medication for at least 2 hours until the patient had a bowel movement successfully in (option C) is incorrect because, while some pain medications, particularly opioids, can cause constipation as a side effect, withholding pain medication solely for this purpose may not be appropriate or safe. Pain management is essential for patient comfort and recovery, and the nurse should find other interventions to assist with bowel movements while maintaining appropriate pain control.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

a. Sigmoid colon: By the time the stool reaches the sigmoid colon, it is typically well-formed and solid. The sigmoid colon is the last segment of the colon before the rectum, and at this point, most water has been absorbed from the stool.

b. Ascending colon: The ascending colon is where the least formed stool is found. As the contents move from the small intestine into the large intestine, they are still in a liquid state. The ascending colon is the first part of the large intestine where absorption of water and electrolytes begins, but the stool is not yet fully formed.

c. Descending colon: In the descending colon, the stool is more solid than in the ascending and transverse colon but not as fully formed as it will be in the sigmoid colon. Water absorption continues in this section, leading to the stool becoming more solid.

d. Transverse colon: The transverse colon lies between the ascending and descending colon. The stool here is more formed than in the ascending colon but still not as solid as it will be by the time it reaches the descending and sigmoid colon. The process of water absorption is ongoing in this section.

A. I should never attempt to reach into my stoma to remove fecal material." B. Using warm enema will reduce cramping and discomfort during the procedure." C. To properly irrigate and clean my ostomy stoma, I can use any solution that is convenient." D. Sitting on the toilet lets the ostomy bag and irritant drain into the toilet bowl.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Using just any solution that is convenient for irrigating and cleaning an ostomy stoma is not safe and can lead to complications. It is essential to use a specific solution recommended by the healthcare provider for ostomy irrigation. Typically, a healthcare professional will prescribe a sterile irrigation solution that is appropriate for use with the ostomy, and it's crucial to follow their instructions.

Options A, B, and D are all do not indicate a need for further instruction:

In option A, "I should never attempt to reach into my stoma to remove fecal material." - This is a statement that does not require further instruction because reaching into the stoma can cause damage and should be avoided.

In option B, "Using warm enema will reduce cramping and discomfort during the procedure." - This is a statement that does not require further instructions because using a warm solution can help relax the muscles and reduce discomfort during ostomy irrigation.

In option D, "Sitting on the toilet lets the ostomy bag and irritant drain into the toilet bowl." - This is a statement that does not require further instructions because sitting on the toilet allows for easy drainage of both the ostomy bag and the irritant into the toilet bowl during the irrigation process.

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A patient is having trouble defecating into a bed pan while lying in bed. Which action by the nurse would assist the patient in having a successful bowel movement?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse would expect the least formed stool to be present in which portion of the digestive tract?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is educating a patient on how to irrigate an ostomy bag. Which statement by the patient indicates the need for further instruction?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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