The nurse is completing an assessment of an older adult client recovering from a total hip replacement. The client reports a decreased appetite and is concerned about having not had a bowel movement for several days. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Increase fiber in diet and add daily prune juice.

Assess type and frequency of physical activities.

Perform a digital examination for fecal impaction.

Check bowel sounds and abdominal tenderness.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Increasing dietary fiber and adding prune juice can help relieve constipation by improving bowel regularity. While this is an important step in managing constipation, it is not the first action to take without understanding the underlying cause or current status of bowel function.
B.   Physical activity is important for bowel regularity, especially post-surgery. However, assessing physical activity should come after a more immediate evaluation of the client's bowel status. It is crucial to first determine if there are other underlying issues that need addressing before implementing dietary changes or increasing activity.
C.   A digital examination can be necessary to identify fecal impaction, especially if other assessments suggest severe constipation or if the client has not had a bowel movement for several days. However, this is an invasive procedure and should be performed based on preliminary findings from non-invasive assessments.
D.   Checking bowel sounds and abdominal tenderness is an essential first step in assessing the client's gastrointestinal status. It helps identify whether there is a lack of bowel movement due to a more severe issue such as bowel obstruction or if it is simply a case of constipation.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Measuring body temperature is important in assessing the client’s overall condition and identifying a fever, which is common in pneumonia. However, while it provides useful information about the client's status, it is not the most urgent action compared to interventions that could immediately impact the client’s respiratory function or confirm the diagnosis.
B. Administering PRN (as needed) oxygen is crucial if the client shows signs of hypoxia or difficulty breathing. If the client's face appears cyanotic or if they are experiencing respiratory distress, this action should be prioritized to ensure adequate oxygenation.
C. A chest x-ray is essential for diagnosing pneumonia and assessing the extent of lung involvement. However, while it is critical for diagnosis, addressing immediate respiratory needs and symptoms takes precedence.
D. Obtaining sputum for culture is important for identifying the causative organism and guiding antibiotic therapy. However, this action is less urgent than ensuring the client’s immediate respiratory needs are met and confirming the diagnosis through imaging.

A. Document the color and clarity of the urine. B. Inflate the balloon with 5 mL of sterile water. C. Ask the client to breathe deeply and slowly exhale. D. Insert the catheter an additional inch.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. While documenting the color and clarity of the urine is important for assessing the client's urinary output and potential issues, it is not the immediate next step in the catheter insertion process. This step typically comes after the catheter is fully inserted and secured.
B. Once urine flow is observed, the next step is to inflate the balloon of the indwelling catheter to secure it in place within the bladder. This ensures the catheter remains correctly positioned and does not move out of the bladder, which is crucial for effective drainage and preventing accidental dislodgement.
C. Asking the client to breathe deeply and exhale does not impact the catheterization process and is not related to the next immediate step after observing urine flow. This action might be helpful in other contexts, such as reducing anxiety or discomfort, but it does not address the technical steps required for catheter insertion.
D. If urine flow is observed in the catheter, it indicates that the catheter is already in the bladder. Inserting the catheter an additional inch is unnecessary and could potentially cause trauma or discomfort. Proper catheter placement is confirmed by the observation of urine flow, and additional insertion is not required.

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The nurse is completing an assessment of an older adult client recovering from a total hip replacement. The client reports a decreased appetite and is concerned about having not had a bowel movement for several days. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is admitted with possible pneumonia. When entering the room, the nurse observes the client's face as seen in the picture. Which prescription should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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