Exhibits

Select from the options to complete the sentence.

After listening to the client's symptoms, the nurse realizes that she likely has

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related to

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Potential condition: Opioid-induced constipation

Actions to take

Administer a stool softener: Opioids commonly cause constipation by slowing down bowel motility and increasing water absorption in the intestines. A stool softener can help by adding moisture to the stool, making it easier to pass.

Ask the client about their normal bowel routine: Understanding the client's typical bowel habits can provide insights into any deviations caused by the surgery or medication.

Parameters to monitor

Fluid intake: Monitoring the client's fluid intake is crucial as adequate hydration helps maintain bowel function and prevents constipation.

Serum potassium level: Constipation, especially if severe or prolonged, can lead to electrolyte imbalances such as hypokalemia (low potassium levels), which can have serious health implications.

After listening to the client's symptoms, the nurse realizes that she likely has acute stress disorderrelated to traumatic stress

Acute Stress Disorder: This diagnosis fits because the client is experiencing significant distress and anxiety related to the traumatic event (her house collapsing during a hurricane). Acute stress disorder is characterized by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors following exposure to a traumatic event. The client's symptoms of persistent thoughts about the event, difficulty sleeping due to these thoughts, and feeling unable to return to her previous emotional state ("funk") are indicative of acute stress disorder.

Traumatic Stress: This describes the source of the client's symptoms. The collapse of her house during a hurricane is a traumatic event that has triggered her acute stress disorder symptoms. Traumatic stress refers to the psychological and emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event.