An older adult who is on bed rest after surgery is prescribed morphine for pain. Which of the following is the nurse's priority for preventive care?
Constipation
Poor solid food intake
Poor liquid intake
Diarrhea
The Correct Answer is A
A. Constipation.
Explanation: Constipation is a common side effect of opioid medications like morphine. Older adults, particularly those on bed rest or with reduced mobility, are already at an increased risk of constipation. Morphine further contributes to this risk by slowing down bowel motility. Preventive measures such as promoting adequate hydration, encouraging fiber intake, and considering stool softeners can help prevent constipation in this scenario.
B. Poor solid food intake.
Explanation: While monitoring and addressing poor solid food intake are important for overall nutritional status, it may not be the immediate priority related to morphine use and postoperative care.
C. Poor liquid intake.
Explanation: Ensuring adequate fluid intake is important for overall hydration, but constipation is a more specific and immediate concern associated with opioid use.
D. Diarrhea.
Explanation: Diarrhea is not a common side effect of morphine and is less likely to be the priority for preventive care in this situation. Constipation is a more anticipated concern when opioids are prescribed.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Constipation is a common side effect of opioid medications like morphine. It is a priority to address because constipation can lead to discomfort, increased pain, and other complications. Preventive measures such as increased fiber intake, adequate hydration, and bowel regimen may be necessary.
B. Poor solid food intake and C. poor liquid intake are concerns, but they are secondary to the immediate issue of constipation. Adequate nutrition and hydration are important for overall recovery, but constipation can have more immediate and uncomfortable consequences.
D. Diarrhea is not a common side effect of morphine. In fact, constipation is a more common gastrointestinal side effect. If the patient were to experience diarrhea, it could be indicative of another issue or complication that needs to be addressed, but it is not the primary preventive care concern associated with morphine use.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Because a conservatorship is the least restrictive alternative, a court hearing is not required.
Explanation: This statement is not accurate. Conservatorships are legal arrangements that involve the appointment of a conservator to manage the financial affairs and assets of an individual who is unable to do so themselves. While conservatorships may be necessary for the protection of the individual, they are not automatically considered the least restrictive alternative, and a court hearing is typically required to establish one.
B. The most legally restricting way individuals and property can be handled are through conservatorships and guardianships.
Explanation: This statement is partially true. Conservatorships and guardianships are legal mechanisms that grant authority to individuals (conservators and guardians, respectively) to manage the affairs of someone who is unable to do so themselves. While they involve legal restrictions, whether they are the most restrictive or not can depend on the specific details of the arrangement and the jurisdiction.
C. A conservatorship entails control over property, whereas a guardianship entails control over the person.
Explanation: This statement is true. In general, a conservatorship focuses on managing the financial affairs and assets of an individual, while a guardianship involves decision-making authority over personal and healthcare matters. The roles and responsibilities of conservators and guardians may vary by jurisdiction, but the distinction between control over property and control over the person is a common principle.
D. Conservators cannot be members of the conservatee's (client's) family.
Explanation: This statement is not universally true. In many cases, family members can be appointed as conservators. The court will typically consider the best interests of the individual in need of protection when appointing a conservator, and a family member may be deemed suitable if they can fulfill the responsibilities of the role. The specific rules regarding who can be a conservator may vary by jurisdiction.
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