A young adult is brought to the emergency department after taking a handful of drugs.

The client is unresponsive, so an endotracheal tube (ETT) is inserted.

How should the nurse determine if the ETT is correctly placed? (Select all that apply.).

• A bowel patern is the frequency, consistency, and appearance of a person's bowel movements. A normal bowel patern is what's normal for each person, and it can vary depending on factors such as diet, age, physical activity, and health conditions.
• A focused gastrointestinal system assessment includes collecting subjective data about the patient's history of gastrointestinal disease, signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal problems, diet and nutrition, and bowel patern. It also includes inspecting and auscultating the abdomen for any abnormalities³.
• When a client reports having a bowel movement three days ago, the first action that the practical nurse should implement is to determine the client's usual bowel patern. This will help to evaluate if the client is experiencing constipation or if this is their normal frequency. It will also help to identify any changes or risk factors that may affect the client's bowel function.

Therefore, option B is the correct answer, while options A, C, and D are incorrect.

Option A is incorrect because administering a stool softener without assessing the client's bowel patern may not be appropriate or effective.

Option C is incorrect because encouraging ambulation may help to stimulate bowel activity, but it is not the first action to take.

Option D is incorrect because recommending dietary changes may be helpful for preventing or treating constipation, but it is not the first action to take.

Choice A rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Suicidal ideation is not a diagnosis in itself but rather a symptom or thought process associated with various mental health conditions.

Choice B rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Suicidal ideation can occur in individuals of all age groups, not just in older adults. It is not limited to any specific age demographic.

Choice C rationale:

This statement is incorrect. Suicidal ideation does not always involve a detailed plan for self-harm. It can range from fleeting thoughts of self-harm to more detailed plans, but the severity can vary widely.

Choice D rationale:

This statement is accurate. Suicidal ideation can be a symptom of various underlying mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, and others. It involves thoughts of self-harm or suicide, which may or may not be accompanied by specific plans.