Patient Data

Exhibits

Complete the diagram by dragging from the choices area to specify which condition the client is most likely experiencing, two actions the nurse should take to address that condition, and two parameters the nurse should monitor to assess the client's progress,

Client Statement: A. The client seems unemotional when talking about needing to rebuild her house.

Suppression fits here because the client appears detached or unemotional when discussing the significant emotional task of rebuilding her house after it collapsed. This suggests a deliberate effort to suppress or minimize the emotional impact of the situation.

Client Statement: C. The client discusses moving to Hawaii instead of returning to rebuild her house.

The client's discussion of moving to Hawaii instead of facing the reality of rebuilding her house reflects a form of fantasy. It suggests a retreat into an idealized scenario (moving to a distant, idyllic location) to avoid dealing directly with the trauma and stress associated with rebuilding her home.

Client Statement: B. The client says that she sometimes forgets why she is in the hospital.

Isolation can be inferred here because the client's statement about forgetting why she is in the hospital may indicate a psychological distancing or detachment from the traumatic events that led her there. It suggests a coping mechanism where she separates her emotional distress (related to the house collapse) from the practical reality of being hospitalized and receiving treatment.

Client Statement: D. The client is frightened that the hospital will burn down.

This statement fits into the defense mechanisms of fantasy. The client encounters thoughts of the hospital burning and her house burns down.

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.