When assessing the older adult for bowel health, the nurse is most effective in obtaining subjective data when asking:

"Would you describe your bowel movements as usually normal?"

"Do you have a problem with constipation?"

Have your bowel movements changed recently?

"How often do you usually have a bowel movement?"

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. This question can provide some subjective data, but it is somewhat vague and open-ended. It may not elicit detailed information about specific changes or issues related to bowel health. The term "normal" can be interpreted differently by different individuals, leading to potentially ambiguous responses.
B.A This question is direct and focused on a specific issue—constipation. It is useful for identifying if the patient is experiencing problems with bowel movements, but it may not capture the full range of bowel health issues or provide insight into other aspects of bowel function such as frequency, consistency, or recent changes.
C. This question is effective in obtaining subjective data because it prompts the patient to consider and describe any recent changes in their bowel habits. Changes in bowel movements can be indicative of underlying health issues, and this question encourages the patient to provide specific information about any deviations from their usual pattern, such as increased or decreased frequency, consistency changes, or the presence of pain.
D. This question directly addresses the frequency of bowel movements, which is a key component of bowel health. It helps establish a baseline for normal bowel patterns for the individual. However, it does not address other aspects of bowel health such as consistency, difficulty, or recent changes.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While age can affect the absorption of some medications, it is not the primary factor that would impact the effectiveness of a topical cream in this case.
B. The cancer diagnosis itself does not directly affect the absorption of topical medications. However, the underlying disease process and treatment may impact the patient's overall health and nutritional status, which can in turn affect medication absorption.
C. Topical medications are absorbed through the skin. Malnutrition can lead to skin thinning and decreased circulation, which can impair the absorption of topical medications. Therefore, the patient's nutritional status is the most likely factor to negatively impact the effectiveness of the topical cream.
D. The patient's cognitive limitations may make it difficult to follow instructions regarding the application of the topical cream, but this does not directly affect the medication's effectiveness.

A. age B. functional status C. gender D. financial status

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. While age can influence health and care needs, it is not the primary criterion for assessing a patient's ability to maintain independence. The impact of age varies greatly among individuals, and functional status is a more direct measure of a person's ability to perform daily activities and manage their health.
B. Functional status refers to the patient's ability to perform daily activities and manage self-care. For someone with rheumatoid arthritis, functional status is crucial because the disease can significantly affect physical abilities due to joint pain, stiffness, and deformities. Assessing and optimizing functional status helps ensure that the patient can maintain independence by adapting their environment, using assistive devices, and implementing strategies to manage symptoms effectively.
C. Gender itself does not directly determine a patient's ability to maintain independence. While certain conditions may have different prevalence rates or impacts based on gender, independence is more closely related to functional abilities and health management rather than gender.
D. Financial status can influence access to resources, healthcare, and support services, but it is not the primary determinant of a patient's functional ability or independence. While financial resources are important for accessing necessary treatments and support, they do not directly impact the patient's functional capacity.

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When assessing the older adult for bowel health, the nurse is most effective in obtaining subjective data when asking:

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is preparing to apply a topical cream on the arm of a cognitively impaired, anorexic older adult patient in the terminal stage of lung cancer. The nurse carefully monitors the effectiveness of the medication because its effectiveness will be most negatively impacted by the patient's:

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse planning care for an older adult who has recently been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis views the priority criterion for continued Independence to be the patients:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse most effectively implements guided reminiscence during a patient interview by

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