The nurse is caring for a group of clients on a medical–surgical unit. Which clients would the nurse assess as predisposed to constipation?
Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. A client who is 85 years old
2. A client with a bacterial infection
3. A client with a history of malabsorption
4. A client with a sedentary lifestyle
5. A client with decreased food intake
Correct Answer: 1,4,5
Rationale 1: Aging slows fecal transit time, which may result in constipation.
Rationale 2: Infections can contribute to diarrhea.
Rationale 3: Malabsorption can contribute to diarrhea.
Rationale 4: Physical activity aids with peristalsis. A sedentary lifestyle could contribute to constipation.
Rationale 5: Decreased food intake can decrease the bulk of stool and contribute to constipation.
Global Rationale: Constipation occurs more frequently in older adults because fecal transit time through the colon slows with aging. This population also exercises less, has diminished food intake, and is more likely to take certain drugs that cause constipation at a higher rate than in younger adults. Infections and malabsorption are more likely to result in diarrhea.
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The nurse has provided teaching to the client with cystic fibrosis and the family. Which client statement indicates that further instructions are necessary?
1. "I should use the controlled cough technique." 2. "I should not go to the concert this weekend." 3. "I should avoid immunizations." 4. "I will stay inside during days in the summer when pollution is high."
The drug nalbuphine (Nubain) is an agonist-antagonist (partial agonist). The nurse understands that which is a characteristic of partial agonists?
a. They have anti-inflammatory effects. b. They are given to reverse the effects of opiates. c. They have a higher potency than agonists. d. They have a lower dependency potential than agonists.
A patient who is recovering from cardiovascular surgery is demonstrating chest tube output of greater than 100 mL per hour
Which nursing interventions are indicated? Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected. Select all that apply. 1. Report to the surgeon. 2. Check the hemoglobin and hematocrit. 3. Administer a blood transfusion. 4. Notify the family. 5. Connect pacemaker wires.