Which of the following is not a serious side effect related to excessive laxative use?
a. Inhibited absorption of nutrients
b. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance
c. Atonic bowel with chronic constipation
d. Daily bowel movements
D
The desire for a daily bowel movement is often the reason that an older adult uses laxatives. The expectation to have a daily bowel movement often is unrealistic because of the older person's decreased food intake and decreased physical exercise. A daily bowel movement is not a serious complication of laxative use, however. Because a laxative accelerates the movement of stool through the digestive system, it can decrease the time available to absorb nutrients and water in the small and large intestines and cause "dumping" of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals (responses A and B). An atonic bowel that is unable to move feces adequately through the large intestine can be caused by overuse of laxatives (response C).
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During a digital examination of the rectum, the nurse notices that the patient has hard feces in the rectum. The patient complains of feeling "full," has a distended abdomen, and states that she has not had a bowel movement "for several days."
The nurse suspects which condition? a. Rectal polyp b. Fecal impaction c. Rectal abscess d. Rectal prolapse
While assessing a patient, the nurse may maintain direct eye contact. Which cultural group would consider the direct eye contact impolite?
A) Americans B) British C) Canadian D) Native Americans
A 37-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis is married and has three children. What is the nurse's most important role with this patient?
A) Ensure the patient is compliant with all treatments B) Provide the patient with advice on treatment options C) Provide a detailed plan of activities of daily living for the patient D) Help the patient develop strategies to implement treatment regimens
A significant secondary prevention nursing activity for lead poisoning is:
a. chelation therapy. b. screening children for blood lead levels. c. removing lead-based paint from older homes. d. questioning parents about ethnic remedies containing lead.