Which response is best when a patient refuses a stool softener after pituitary surgery?

"You need the stool softener because it will be hard to defecate while you remain in bed."

"Any manipulation of the pituitary gland can cause difficulty in defecation, so stool softeners are important after your surgery."

"It is important you do not strain during bowel movements because this could result in increased pressure on your surgical site."

"You can choose not to take the stool softener if you feel you do not need it."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. "You need the stool softener because it will be hard to defecate while you remain in bed.": This is not the most appropriate response. While immobility can make bowel movements more difficult, the primary concern following pituitary surgery is the avoidance of straining due to the potential for increased intracranial pressure (ICP). The emphasis should be on avoiding pressure on the surgical site rather than general difficulties from immobility.
B. "Any manipulation of the pituitary gland can cause difficulty in defecation, so stool softeners are important after your surgery.": This is misleading. While pituitary surgery may influence certain bodily functions, the most critical concern is preventing straining to avoid raising ICP. The focus should be on explaining the rationale for avoiding pressure on the surgical site.
C. "It is important you do not strain during bowel movements because this could result in increased pressure on your surgical site.": This is the correct response. Straining during bowel movements can increase ICP, which could potentially compromise healing or lead to complications after pituitary surgery. This explanation directly addresses the patient's safety and emphasizes the need for stool softeners to prevent straining.
D. "You can choose not to take the stool softener if you feel you do not need it.": This response is inappropriate because it does not emphasize the importance of preventing straining, which is a critical consideration after pituitary surgery. The nurse should provide education on the necessity of the stool softener to avoid complications rather than leaving the decision solely to the patient.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Placing the patient in a lateral recovery position is the best immediate action. This position helps facilitate drainage of secretions, especially after a laryngectomy, which can reduce the risk of aspiration and airway obstruction. The blood-tinged mucus may be due to recent surgery and should be monitored for changes.
B. The activation of the rapid-response team may be necessary if the patient’s condition worsens or becomes critical, but there is no indication of an acute life-threatening event based on the blood-tinged mucus alone.
C. Monitoring the oxygen saturation and respiratory rate is important, but it is a secondary concern compared to providing a position that promotes drainage and prevents aspiration.
D. Increasing humidification of the oxygen may help keep the airway moist, but the immediate priority should be ensuring proper positioning to allow secretion drainage and prevent aspiration.

A. Formoterol B. Albuterol C. Beclomethasone D. Salmeterol

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Formoterol is a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) used for maintenance therapy, not for aborting acute asthma attacks. LABAs help prevent asthma symptoms but are not effective for immediate relief during an acute attack.
B. Albuterol is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA), which is the medication of choice for relieving acute asthma symptoms. It acts quickly to relax the muscles of the airways and relieve bronchospasm.
C. Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid used for long-term asthma control, reducing inflammation, but it is not used to treat acute attacks.
D. Salmeterol is another LABA, similar to formoterol, and is not used for aborting acute asthma attacks but rather for long-term control.

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Which response is best when a patient refuses a stool softener after pituitary surgery?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

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