A patient is having trouble defecating into a bedpan 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 Fowler's position
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Laxatives might be an option, but they should not be the first intervention. Other noninvasive measures should be tried first.
Choice B Administering a cleansing enema is not the first intervention for a patient having
trouble defecating into a bedpan. It is an invasive procedure and should be considered after less invasive measures have been tried.
Choice C Withholding pain medication might lead to unnecessary discomfort for the patient and is not the best approach to promote bowel movements.
Choice D Raising the head of the bed will help the patient assume a more upright position, which can facilitate bowel movement and defecation into the bedpan more effectively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A This change in blood pressure is not alarming and does not require immediate cessation of the procedure.
Choice B A slight increase in temperature is within a normal range and does not indicate an urgent issue related to the stool removal procedure.
Choice C A significant decrease in pulse rate suggests bradycardia, which can be a serious sign and might be caused by the stimulation of the vagus nerve during the procedure. The nurse should stop immediately and take corrective action.
Choice D An increase in respiratory rate may indicate increased anxiety or discomfort, but it is not an immediate cause for stopping the procedure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Rhinorrhea refers to a runny or stuffy nose and is not related to the described stool characteristics.
Choice B Amenorrhea is the absence of menstruation and is not related to the described stool characteristics.
Choice C Steatorrhea is the presence of bulky, foulsmelling, floating stools that contain a high amount of undigested fat. It is often associated with malabsorption disorders or pancreatic
insufficiency.
Choice D Diarrhea is characterized by loose or watery stools and is not related to the described stool characteristics.
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