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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Notify the charge nurse: Notifying the charge nurse would be appropriate if the discrepancy persists after troubleshooting. However, first steps should involve checking the equipment to rule out technical errors before escalating the concern.
B. Reposition the oximeter clip: A discrepancy between the manual pulse and the pulse oximeter reading often indicates a technical issue, such as poor sensor placement or poor perfusion. Repositioning the oximeter clip ensures accurate data collection before proceeding with further interventions.
C. Document the conflicting data: Documentation is important, but before recording inconsistent or potentially inaccurate findings, the nurse should first validate the data by ensuring correct technique and equipment function.
D. Measure the blood pressure: Measuring blood pressure is part of a full vital signs assessment but does not address the immediate concern of conflicting pulse readings. Equipment issues must be corrected first to ensure all vital signs are accurate.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Discuss a low sodium diet: While teaching about a low sodium diet is important in managing fluid balance and hypertension, it is not the immediate intervention needed to address the acute symptoms and risks associated with the client's current condition.
B. Provide only distilled water: Distilled water is not necessary in managing acute kidney injury. Fluid intake management should be based on specific electrolyte and fluid needs, and the focus should be on controlling volume overload rather than the type of water provided.
C. Monitor for dependent pitting edema: Monitoring for pitting edema is critical because it provides immediate information about fluid overload, which is common with acute kidney injury. Assessing for edema provides information about the extent of fluid retention and helps evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at managing fluid balance.
D. Use a cushion when sitting: Using a cushion may improve comfort but does not address the life-threatening complications of electrolyte imbalance, hypertension, and mental status changes associated with acute kidney injury. Priority should be on assessing and managing systemic symptoms.
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