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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Option A is the most appropriate choice. Applying a skin protective lotion after cleaning the backside can help moisturize and nourish the dry and thin perineal skin. It creates a barrier that helps protect the skin from further irritation and excoriation. It is important to choose a skin protective lotion specifically formulated for perineal care and suitable for older adults.

Let's go over the other options:

Option B is incorrect because taping an occlusive moisture barrier pad to the skin may not be necessary for mild excoriation and can potentially further irritate the skin. It is not the most appropriate intervention in this situation

Massage the skin with deep kneading pressure in (option C) is incorrect because deep kneading pressure may cause further irritation to the already dry and thin perineal skin, potentially worsening the excoriation. Gentle and cautious care should be taken to avoid excessive pressure or friction

Thoroughly scrub the skin with a washcloth and hypoallergenic soap in (option D) is incorrect because thoroughly scrubbing the skin with a washcloth and hypoallergenic soap can be too harsh for the already compromised perineal skin. It may cause further dryness, irritation, and damage to the skin. Gentle cleansing using mild, non-irritating soap and soft cloths or disposable wipes is more appropriate.

A. full. B. 1/2 full C. 1/4 full. D. % full.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A.Waiting until the bag is completely full before emptying can lead to leakage, discomfort, and potential damage to the stoma or skin surrounding it. It's generally best to empty the bag before it becomes completely full.

B.This is a good practice to prevent overfilling and reduce the risk of leaks or discomfort. Emptying the bag when it is about half full helps maintain the bag's functionality and ensures the stoma site remains clean and secure.

C. 1/4 full

While emptying the bag at this level could prevent overfilling, it may be more frequent than necessary and could be inconvenient for the patient.

D. % full The exact percentage is not typically used as a guideline for when to empty the bag. The general practice is based on visual assessment of how full the bag is.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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

An older adult's perineal skin appears to be dry and thin with mild excoriation. When providing hygiene after a bowel movement, the nurse should

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient with a colostomy. The ostomy drainage bag should be emptied whenever it is

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is caring for an anxious patient who is scheduled for surgery for colostomy placement. While the nurse is talking to the patient, the patient states, "I am so scared."

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?

What foods would increase colostomy odors?

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

A nurse is preparing a cleansing enema for an adult patient who is constipated and has not responded to laxative use. Before giving the enema, the nurse should

Which doctor's order should be questioned?

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

There is an order to administer a large volume, cleansing enema to an adult patient. The enema bag is filled with how many milliliters of fluid for this procedure?