Six days following a minor vehicle crash, an older client returns to the emergency department to have stitches removed. While the nurse is removing the stitches, the client reports feeling bloated and not having a bowel movement since the accident. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Increase fiber in diet and add daily prune juice.

Perform a digital examination for fecal impaction.

Assess type and frequency of physical activities.

Check bowel sounds and abdominal tenderness.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Increase fibre in diet and add daily prune juice: Increasing dietary fibre and adding prune juice can help promote bowel movements and relieve constipation. However, this is a long-term solution and might not address any immediate underlying issues.

B. Perform a digital examination for faecal impaction: This invasive procedure can confirm or rule out faecal impaction, which is a potential cause of severe constipation, especially in older adults. However, it's not typically the first step without further assessment.

C. Assess type and frequency of physical activities: Physical activity affects bowel motility. Assessing activity levels can provide insight into one possible cause of constipation. However, this should come after assessing more direct symptoms.

D. Check bowel sounds and abdominal tenderness: This is a non-invasive initial assessment that can provide important information about the client's bowel activity and potential obstructions. It helps determine the next steps for diagnosis and treatment.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Deep, continuous pain in the calf muscles. This symptom is more indicative of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) rather than venous insufficiency.

B. Painful symptoms alleviated by warmth. This symptom is not typically associated with venous insufficiency; it may be seen in conditions like arthritis.

C. Cool, pale skin below the knees. This finding is more suggestive of arterial insufficiency rather than venous insufficiency.

D. Decreased pain when legs are elevated. Venous insufficiency is characterized by impaired blood flow in the veins, leading to symptoms such as leg aching, tiredness, swelling, and skin changes like leathery appearance. Elevating the legs can help alleviate symptoms of venous insufficiency by reducing venous pressure and improving blood flow back to the heart. Therefore, a subjective finding indicating decreased pain when the legs are elevated suggests venous insufficiency.

A. Allow the client to compose herself then change the subject. B. "Why don't I come back in a few minutes after you are more composed." C. "I'm so sorry that I made you cry. I didn't mean to upset you." D. Offer a tissue and sit quietly until the crying subsides.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Allow the client to compose herself then change the subject.

This response allows the client some time to regain composure, which can be helpful. However, abruptly changing the subject may make the client feel dismissed or unheard. It's essential to address the emotional response with sensitivity.

B. "Why don't I come back in a few minutes after you are more composed."

While this response acknowledges the client's emotional state, it may unintentionally communicate a lack of availability or willingness to support the client in that moment. It's important for the nurse to offer support and empathy immediately rather than suggesting a delay.

C. "I'm so sorry that I made you cry. I didn't mean to upset you."

This response acknowledges the client's emotional response and expresses empathy, which is a crucial aspect of providing patient-centered care. However, it's important to avoid taking personal responsibility for the client's emotional reaction, as it may not have been caused solely by the nurse's questions.

D. Offer a tissue and sit quietly until the crying subsides.

This response demonstrates empathy and support by providing a tissue and offering a non-verbal gesture of comfort. Sitting quietly allows the client the space to express her emotions while feeling supported by the nurse's presence.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While assessing the legs of an adult client, the nurse observes leathery-looking skin. The client reports aching, tired legs that swell if standing for long periods of time. To screen for venous insufficiency, the nurse should ask the client if they have experienced which subjective finding?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A woman comes to the clinic for her first prenatal visit. The nurse is conducting a health history and the woman begins to cry when asked about previous pregnancies. Which response is best for the nurse to provide?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

An older adult client who has been talking to the client's deceased mother is referred to the psychiatric clinic for an evaluation. Which assessment should the nurse complete first?

A client reports episodes of syncope. Which assessment finding should the nurse anticipate?

Which finding, obtained during a skin assessment of a student, should the school nurse report to the healthcare provider?

An older Native-American client with hypertension presents to an outpatient clinic for follow-up evaluation after initiation of treatment with oral antihypertensive medications. Report of which client behavior requires additional assessment by the nurse?

When performing a neurologic assessment on an alert client, the nurse observes that the client's pupils are both round, 3 mm in size, and respond briskly to light. Which notation should the nurse use when documenting the assessment?

A clinic nurse is assessing infants and toddlers for fine and gross motor development. Which child should the nurse refer to a healthcare provider for further evaluation?

A school-age child presents for a well-child visit with a hemoglobin level of 10 g/dL (100 g/L) and a body mass index of 15 kg/mm2. Which additional assessment should the nurse obtain to help identify a potential cause of these clinical manifestations?

The nurse is assessing the lung sounds of a preschooler. Which action should the nurse implement to ensure the child's cooperation?