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 D

Explanation

A. This can strain the back and increase the risk of injury. It's important to use proper body mechanics, such as bending the knees and keeping the back straight, when reaching for objects.
B. Bending at the waist can strain the back and increase the risk of injury. It's important to lift objects with the legs, not the back.
C. This can strain the back and hips. It's important to use proper body mechanics, such as using the legs and core muscles to push or pull heavy objects.
D. Standing erect with knees bent provides a strong base of support and helps to distribute weight evenly. Bending the knees allows for lifting with the legs, which is less stressful on the back and reduces the risk of injury. Pulling a draw sheet and moving a client in bed requires a combination of strength and proper body mechanics. Standing erect with knees bent helps to prevent strain on the back and muscles

A. The consistency of the prescribed diet. B. Review of current medications. C. Client's ability to chew and swallow. D. The client's respiratory rate and lung sounds.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Knowing the consistency of the prescribed diet (e.g., pureed, mechanical soft, or regular) is important for planning the feeding process and ensuring that the diet meets the client's needs and restrictions. However, this information is secondary to assessing the client’s ability to safely chew and swallow.
B. While reviewing current medications is important for understanding potential drug interactions, side effects, or dietary restrictions, it is not the most immediate concern before feeding. Medications can influence appetite and digestion, but the priority is ensuring the client can safely handle the food.
C. This is the most critical information to obtain before feeding a debilitated client. Assessing the client's ability to chew and swallow helps prevent complications such as aspiration, choking, or aspiration pneumonia. The nurse should ensure that the client can safely manage the food given to them and that their swallowing mechanisms are functioning adequately.
D. While monitoring the respiratory rate and lung sounds is important for overall health assessment, it is not the immediate priority before starting a feeding session. However, it is important to monitor for signs of aspiration during and after feeding, as compromised swallowing can lead to aspiration pneumonia.

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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

The charge nurse is observing a new nurse administering care during new hire orientation at the hospital. Which activity by the new nurse indicates correct body movement and posture to reduce the risk for injury?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse is preparing to feed a newly admitted older adult client who is debilitated, but is able to respond to most commands. Before starting to feed the client, which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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