Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the patient is experiencing difficulty with proprioception?

Choice A reason: This is an incorrect choice because perceived constipation related to expectation of daily bowel movements is not an appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient. Perceived constipation is a subjective problem that occurs when the patient's bowel elimination pattern does not meet their personal expectations. The patient may not have any objective signs of constipation, such as hard stools, straining, or abdominal discomfort. This diagnosis is not applicable to this patient, who has objective signs of constipation and a clear cause of the problem.

Choice B reason: This is an incorrect choice because impaired bowel elimination related to abdominal muscle weakness is not an appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient. Impaired bowel elimination is a problem that occurs when the patient has difficulty in passing stools or has a change in bowel habits. Abdominal muscle weakness is a possible factor that can affect bowel function, but it is not the cause of the problem for this patient. This diagnosis is not applicable to this patient, who has a normal muscle strength and a clear cause of the problem.

Choice C reason: This is an incorrect choice because risk for constipation related to irregular defecation habits is not an appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient. Risk for constipation is a potential problem that occurs when the patient is vulnerable to developing constipation due to various factors. Irregular defecation habits are a possible factor that can increase the risk of constipation, but they are not the cause of the problem for this patient. This diagnosis is not applicable to this patient, who already has constipation and a clear cause of the problem.

Choice D reason: This is the correct choice because constipation related to side effects of pain medication is an appropriate nursing diagnosis for this patient. Constipation is a problem that occurs when the patient has infrequent, difficult, or incomplete bowel movements. Pain medication, especially opioids, are a common cause of constipation, as they can slow down the gastrointestinal motility and reduce the stool volume and water content. This diagnosis is applicable to this patient, who has objective signs of constipation and a clear cause of the problem..

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.