The nurse is caring for a patient who has been unable to have a bowel movement for the last 4 days after taking prescribed narcotic pain medication. Which nursing diagnosis is appropriate for this patient?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient follows an organic, low-carbohydrate diet is not an assessment finding that indicates to the nurse why the patient is having difficulty sleeping at night. A low-carbohydrate diet may have some benefits for weight loss, blood sugar control, and cardiovascular health, but it does not have a direct impact on the sleep quality or quantity of the patient.

Choice B reason: This is the correct choice because the patient now works in Alaska with extended daylight hours is an assessment finding that indicates to the nurse why the patient is having difficulty sleeping at night. Extended daylight hours can disrupt the circadian rhythm, which is the natural cycle of sleeping and waking that follows a 24-hour pattern. The circadian rhythm is influenced by the exposure to light and dark, and it regulates the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. When the daylight hours are longer, the melatonin levels may be lower, and the patient may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient’s job includes many hours of hard labor each day is not an assessment finding that indicates to the nurse why the patient is having difficulty sleeping at night. Hard labor may have some effects on the physical and mental health of the patient, but it does not necessarily cause insomnia or poor sleep. In fact, hard labor may increase the need for sleep and rest, and the patient may sleep better after a long day of work.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because the patient enjoys doing crossword puzzles and reading is not an assessment finding that indicates to the nurse why the patient is having difficulty sleeping at night. Crossword puzzles and reading are hobbies that may stimulate the brain and enhance the cognitive function of the patient, but they do not have a negative effect on the sleep quality or quantity of the patient. However, the nurse should advise the patient to avoid doing these activities close to bedtime, especially if they involve bright screens or lights, as they may interfere with the melatonin production and the sleep onset.

Choice A reason: This is a correct choice because checking the patient’s order list to determine if antiemetic medication has been prescribed for the patient is a priority action of the nurse who notes that the patient is nauseated due to medication side effects. This action is important to manage the patient's nausea and prevent vomiting, which can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and aspiration. The nurse should follow the physician's orders and administer the antiemetic medication as indicated.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because beginning teaching the patient about wound care management, taking care to avoid using terms that the patient might find upsetting, is not a priority action of the nurse who notes that the patient is nauseated due to medication side effects. This action is not appropriate to perform when the patient is feeling sick and uncomfortable, as it may impair the patient's learning ability and motivation. The nurse should postpone the teaching until the patient's nausea is resolved and the patient is ready to learn.

Choice C reason: This is a correct choice because providing measures to relieve the patient’s nausea and returning to teach about wound care when the patient is feeling better is a priority action of the nurse who notes that the patient is nauseated due to medication side effects. This action is essential to address the patient's immediate need and comfort, and to ensure that the patient receives the necessary education about wound care management at a suitable time. The nurse should provide measures such as offering clear liquids, crackers, or ginger, positioning the patient in a semi-Fowler's position, and providing a basin or emesis bag if needed.

Choice D reason: This is an incorrect choice because applying a cold cloth to the patient's forehead and maintaining a quiet odor-free environment for the patient is not a priority action of the nurse who notes that the patient is nauseated due to medication side effects. This action is a supportive measure that may help to soothe the patient's nausea, but it is not sufficient to treat the underlying cause or prevent further complications. The nurse should also check the patient's order list and administer the antiemetic medication if prescribed.

Choice E reason: This is an incorrect choice because documenting in the patient’s chart that teaching about wound care management was not done because the patient refused to learn is not a priority action of the nurse who notes that the patient is nauseated due to medication side effects. This action is a false and inaccurate documentation that does not reflect the patient's condition or the nurse's actions. The nurse should document the patient's nausea, the interventions provided, and the plan to resume the teaching when the patient is feeling better.