Before administering a laxative to a bedfast client, it is most important for the nurse to perform which assessment?

Evaluate the client's ability to recognize the urge to defecate.

Determine the frequency and consistency of bowel movements.

Observe the skin integrity of the client's rectal and sacral areas.

Assess the client's strength in moving and turning in the bed.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) Evaluate the client's ability to recognize the urge to defecate: Assessing the client's ability to recognize the urge to defecate is important for promoting independence in toileting. However, this assessment may not directly indicate the need for administering a laxative. It is more relevant for clients who are able to ambulate or have control over their bowel movements.

B) Determine the frequency and consistency of bowel movements: Assessing the frequency and consistency of bowel movements provides valuable information about the client's bowel function and helps determine the need for a laxative. It allows the nurse to establish a baseline and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. Understanding the client's typical bowel pattern is crucial before administering a laxative to avoid overmedication or potential complications such as diarrhea or fecal impaction.

C) Observe the skin integrity of the client's rectal and sacral areas: Assessing skin integrity in the rectal and sacral areas is crucial for preventing pressure ulcers, especially in bedfast clients. However, it is not directly related to the need for administering a laxative.

D) Assess the client's strength in moving and turning in the bed: While assessing the client's strength and mobility is important for overall care and prevention of complications related to immobility, it may not be directly related to the need for administering a laxative. This assessment is more relevant for preventing complications such as pressure ulcers and maintaining musculoskeletal function.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) While measuring the client’s vital signs is a routine nursing intervention, the reported symptoms of confusion and blurred vision after receiving glipizide suggest the possibility of hypoglycemia. Vital signs may not provide immediate information about the client’s glucose levels or help confirm hypoglycemia. However, if the client’s symptoms persist or worsen, assessing vital signs becomes important to monitor for signs of shock or other complications.

B) Obtaining a fingerstick blood glucose is the priority action in this situation. Glipizide is an oral antidiabetic medication that stimulates insulin release from the pancreas, leading to lower blood glucose levels. Symptoms such as confusion and blurred vision are indicative of hypoglycemia, a potential adverse effect of glipizide. Checking the client’s blood glucose level will confirm hypoglycemia and guide further interventions.

C) While performing a neurological exam may be warranted if the client’s symptoms persist or if there are concerns about other neurological issues, confirming hypoglycemia with a fingerstick blood glucose test should be the immediate priority.

D) Administering glucagon intramuscularly (IM) is indicated for severe hypoglycemia when the client is unconscious or unable to swallow. However, in this scenario, the client is conscious and able to report symptoms. Before administering glucagon, it is essential to confirm hypoglycemia with a blood glucose measurement to avoid unnecessary interventions.

Therefore, the nurse should promptly obtain a fingerstick blood glucose to confirm hypoglycemia and initiate appropriate treatment for the client’s symptoms.

A. Breast feeding is not recommended while taking this medication. B. Do not take multiple vitamins that contain vitamin A while taking this drug. C. Baseline liver function results must be obtained during therapy. D. Discontinue this medication one month before attempting to conceive.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking this medication: While it’s important for clients to avoid breastfeeding while taking isotretinoin due to potential harm to the infant, the primary concern for a young adult female planning to become pregnant is the risk of teratogenic effects on the fetus. Therefore, while this information is relevant, it’s not the most important consideration in this situation.

B) Do not take multiple vitamins that contain vitamin A while taking this drug: Avoiding excessive intake of vitamin A is essential to prevent toxicity, but it’s not the most critical consideration for a client planning to become pregnant. The main concern is the teratogenic effects of isotretinoin on the fetus.

C) Baseline liver function results must be obtained during therapy: Monitoring liver function is important during isotretinoin therapy to assess for potential hepatotoxicity, but it’s not the most crucial consideration for a client planning to become pregnant. The primary concern is the need to discontinue the medication before conception to prevent fetal exposure.

D) Discontinue this medication one month before attempting to conceive: This is the most important information for the nurse to provide to the client. Isotretinoin is highly teratogenic and can cause severe birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Therefore, it’s essential for the client to discontinue isotretinoin at least one month before attempting to conceive to ensure the drug is cleared from the body and to prevent fetal exposure.

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Before administering a laxative to a bedfast client, it is most important for the nurse to perform which assessment?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client reports confusion and blurred vision after receiving a dose of glipizide. Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A young adult female client who is planning to become pregnant asks the nurse if she can continue taking isotretinoin for cystic acne. Which information is most important for the nurse to provide this client?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Ferrous sulfate elixir is prescribed for a client with iron deficiency anemia. Which instruction should the nurse provide this client about taking the liquid medication?

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