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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Clients receiving immune suppressant therapy, such as those undergoing treatment for cancer, are at a significantly increased risk for healthcare-associated infections. Immune suppressants weaken the body's ability to mount an effective immune response, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
B. Hyperemia, or increased blood flow to a particular area, can be a sign of an acute local infection. While it indicates the presence of infection, the hyperemia itself does not increase the risk of developing a new or additional healthcare-associated infection.
C. Weight loss, especially if associated with dietary changes, may affect overall health and nutritional status, potentially impairing wound healing and immune function. However, it is not as directly linked to an increased risk of HAIs as immune suppression or invasive procedures.
D. Receiving vaccinations generally aims to enhance immunity and protect against specific infections. Immunizations can help prevent infections but do not increase the risk of healthcare-associated infections. This action is preventive rather than a risk factor for HAIs.

A. To administer a medication that is very irritating to the tissues. B. To administer a medication that requires use of an extra long needle. C. To follow the healthcare provider's prescription for Z track administration. D. To administer a large volume of medication.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. The Z-track technique helps to prevent medication from leaking into the subcutaneous tissue and minimizes irritation by sealing the medication in the muscle. This is especially important for medications that are known to cause irritation or staining, such as iron supplements or some antipsychotics
B. The length of the needle is not directly related to the use of the Z-track technique. The Z-track method is used to minimize irritation and ensure that the medication is deposited in the muscle rather than leaking into the subcutaneous tissue.
C. The reason for using the Z-track technique is related to preventing irritation and ensuring proper medication delivery, rather than simply following a prescription.
D. The volume of medication is not the primary reason for using the Z-track technique. While the Z-track method can be used for administering larger volumes of medication, the technique's primary purpose is to prevent leakage and reduce tissue irritation.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

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

The nurse identifies the hospitalized client in which situation as being at highest risk for the development of a healthcare associated infection (HAI)?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is teaching another nurse about the administration of medication using the Z track technique. Which is the primary reason for using a Z track technique to administer a medication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

When establishing a therapeutic environment for an older adult client, which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement?

On the first postoperative day, the nurse finds an older adult client disoriented and trying to climb over the bed railing. The client was oriented to person, place, and time on admission. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

When evaluating the effectiveness of a client's nursing care, the nurse first reviews the expected outcomes identified in the plan of care. What action should the nurse take next?

An older female client residing at a long-term care facility receives an enteral tube feeding bolus via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube 6 times daily. Which interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.

While cleansing a client's surgical incision, the nurse observes the incision as seen in the picture. How should the nurse document the appearance of the incision?

In-home hospice care is arranged for a client with stage 4 lung cancer. While the palliative care nurse is arranging for discharge, the client verbalizes concerns about pain. Which action should the nurse implement?