The nursing instructor is talking with their clinical group about constipation and the elderly. What should the instructor tell the students is the best recommendation a nurse can make about treating chronic constipation?
A) Take a mild laxative, such as magnesium citrate, when necessary.
B) Take a stool softener, such as docusate sodium (Colace), daily.
C) Administer a tap-water enema weekly.
D) Administer a phospho-soda (Fleet) enema when necessary.
Ans: B
Feedback: Stool softeners taken daily promote absorption of liquid into the stool, creating a softer mass. They may be taken on a daily basis without developing dependence. Dependence is an adverse effect of daily laxative use. Enemas used daily or on a frequent basis can also lead to dependence of the bowel on an external source of stimulation.
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Despite the fact that the patient is now receiving palliative care because of the progression of her congestive heart failure (CHF), a nurse views the care that was provided for the patient as a success
Which of the following aspects of the patient's situation would most likely lead the nurse to this conclusion? A) The client was able to live independently and care for herself until very late in the progression of her disease. B) The client maintained an acceptable cardiac output for the majority of the time that she lived with CHF. C) The client was able to teach other older adults about the experience of living with CHF and the way it affected her life. D) The client remained largely pain-free from the time of diagnosis until the present.
It is important for you as a nurse to identify your own spiritual beliefs because
a. they will help you identify and understand your own biases and points of view, as well as help you empathize with patients and their decisions based on their own spiritual beliefs. b. it is necessary to be able to express your views to your patients when doing their spiritual assessment. c. you will be able to advise patients when dealing with issues of a spiritual nature. d. you will be able to accept your patients' beliefs and help them even when their beliefs conflict with your personal beliefs.
You are bottle-feeding a baby. Which will not promote comfort and safety?
a. Assume a comfortable position. b. Hold the baby close to you. c. Tilt the bottle so the neck of the bottle and the nipple are always full. d. Prop the bottle and lay the baby down for the feeding.
A mother reports that her adolescent daughter is always late. The mother states, "She was born late and has been late every day of her life." Which response by the nurse is appropriate?
1. "Setting specific alarms and then reinforce the value of being ‘on-time' may be helpful strategies to assist her to be more of an ‘on-time' individual." 2. "Just let it go for now. Teachers and, in the future, employers will be the best people to help her be ‘on-time.'" 3. "You need to establish specific time frames for your adolescent and be certain she adheres to them." 4. "You have a major problem. There must be a lot of screaming in your home."