An older adult client planning to vacation with a group of senior citizens is concerned about developing constipation. The client shares this concern with the practical nurse (PN) at the retirement home. Which recommendation is best for the PN to provide?

Increase the daily oral fluid intake.

Decrease the fat content in your diet.

Use an over-the-counter (OTC) stool softener.

Eat a high-protein diet.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Increase the daily oral fluid intake: Increasing fluid intake is one of the best non-pharmacological strategies to prevent constipation, especially in older adults. Adequate hydration helps soften stool, promotes regular bowel movements, and supports overall digestive health during travel and routine changes.
B. Decrease the fat content in your diet: Reducing dietary fat is more related to managing cardiovascular health rather than preventing constipation. Fats themselves do not contribute significantly to constipation, and this advice would not directly address the client's specific concern.
C. Use an over-the-counter (OTC) stool softener: While stool softeners can be useful, recommending their routine use without first trying dietary and lifestyle modifications is not the best initial approach. Relying on medications can sometimes lead to dependency or mask underlying issues.
D. Eat a high-protein diet: High-protein diets without sufficient fiber and fluids can actually worsen constipation. Protein is important for overall health, but preventing constipation primarily requires fiber intake and adequate hydration rather than increased protein alone.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Place the suppository high in the rectum: Inserting the suppository high in the rectum ensures that it is positioned beyond the anal sphincter, where it can be effectively absorbed. Proper placement maximizes the medication's effect and prevents expulsion, which is critical for achieving pain relief and antispasmodic benefits after prostate surgery.
B. Allow the suppository to soften before insertion: Allowing the suppository to soften may make it difficult to insert and can result in incomplete delivery of the medication. A firm suppository is easier to insert properly and ensures accurate medication placement and effectiveness.
C. Freeze the suppository prior to insertion: Freezing the suppository is not recommended because it can make it too hard and sharp, potentially causing trauma to delicate rectal tissues, especially in a postoperative client who may already have increased sensitivity and healing tissues.
D. Avoid use of a lubricant with insertion of the suppository: Using a water-soluble lubricant is important during suppository insertion to minimize mucosal trauma and facilitate smoother placement. Avoiding lubrication can cause unnecessary discomfort and increase the risk of rectal injury.

A. Provide a Yankauer tip for oral suction. B. Swab the oral cavity with a washcloth. C. Support the head with a small pillow. D. Use oral swabs with normal saline.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Provide a Yankauer tip for oral suction: A Yankauer suction device is useful for clearing large amounts of oral secretions but is typically used when secretions are too excessive to manage with swabbing alone. In routine oral care for an unconscious client, gentle cleaning with swabs is safer and minimizes mucosal trauma.
B. Swab the oral cavity with a washcloth: Using a washcloth in an unconscious client's mouth can be unsafe because it is bulky, can cause trauma to delicate tissues, and increases the risk of aspiration if too much fluid or debris is present. Oral swabs are designed to be safer and more appropriate for this purpose.
C. Support the head with a small pillow: While supporting the head ensures comfort, it does not directly address the priority need of safely and thoroughly cleaning the oral cavity to maintain hygiene and prevent infection. Airway protection and thorough cleaning are the primary concerns during oral care.
D. Use oral swabs with normal saline: Using oral swabs moistened with normal saline is the best intervention because it gently cleanses the mucous membranes, maintains moisture, and reduces the risk of mucosal injury. Normal saline is safe and non-irritating, which is critical for unconscious clients at risk for aspiration and mucosal breakdown.

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An older adult client planning to vacation with a group of senior citizens is concerned about developing constipation. The client shares this concern with the practical nurse (PN) at the retirement home. Which recommendation is best for the PN to provide?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When administering belladonna and opium (B & O) suppositories to a client after a prostatectomy, it is important for the practical nurse (PN) to implement which action?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

While providing oral care for a client who is unconscious, the practical nurse (PN) positions the client laterally and uses a basin to collect secretions. Which intervention is best for the PN to implement?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

During vital sign assessment of a client, the practical nurse (PN) counts the left radial pulse at 88 beats/minute, and the pulse oximeter clipped to a finger on the left hand records a pulse rate of 68 beats/minute with an oxygen saturation of 95%. Which of the following should the PN do first?

A client with fecal incontinence has inflamed skin around the rectal area. Following an episode of incontinence, how should the practical nurse (PN) care for this area?

When initiating a 24 hour urine collection, which action should the practical nurse (PN) take?

The practical nurse (PN) is preparing to provide a change of shift report when an oncoming nurse arrives, appearing intoxicated, and who describes to another colleague about drinking all afternoon and almost forgetting to come to work. Which action should the PN take first?

At 2100, an older adult client turns on the call light and reports to the practical nurse (PN) the inability to fall asleep. Which is the priority nursing action?

A client who is recently diagnosed with stage IV ovarian cancer tells the practical nurse (PN) that the staff on the unit are insensitive and begins to cry. Which intervention(s) should the PN implement? Select all that apply.

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