What information would be most important for the nurse to provide to a patient requesting a prn dose of magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia)?
a. "You will need to increase your fluid intake."
b. "Avoid drinking milk for an hour after the magnesium hydroxide."
c. "I'll need to get a prescriber's order for mineral oil to avoid irritation."
d. "You can expect immediate results."
A
The nurse should instruct the patient to increase the fluid intake, because osmotic laxatives, such as magnesium hydroxide, can cause a substantial loss of water.
Magnesium hydroxide does not interact with milk.
There is no basis for administering mineral oil with magnesium hydroxide.
Low doses produce results within 6 to 12 hours, and high doses produce results in 2 to 6 hours.
You might also like to view...
A confused patient has been restrained because of combativeness and hyperactivity. What skin assessment may occur as a result of the restraints?
a. Lentigines b. Senile purpura c. Senile angiomas d. Seborrheic keratoses
The nurse is caring for a patient who has just had a radical mastectomy and axillary node dissection. When providing patient education regarding rehabilitation, what should the nurse recommend?
A) Avoid exercise of the arm for next 2 months. B) Keep cuticles clipped neatly. C) Avoid lifting objects heavier than 10 pounds. D) Use a sling until healing is complete.
Which of the following responses should a nurse give to a patient who says that she has no questions about a stress test ordered but looks worried or confused?
A. "I heard you say that you don't have any questions about the MRI, but you look worried. Would you like to tell me what you are thinking?" B. "I'll make sure the MRI gets scheduled as soon as possible." C. "MRIs are noisy, but it will be over in just a few minutes." D. All of the above
While the nurse is washing the face of a patient in renal failure, the patient demonstrates a spasm of the lips and face. Which laboratory value corresponds with the nurse's assessment findings?
a. Potassium of 3.4 mEq/L b. Calcium of 7.9 mg/dL c. Sodium of 140 mEq/L d. Phosphorus of 2.8 mg/dL