An older adult who had surgery recently complains of pain at level of 3 out of 10 and constipation during the postoperative primary care visit. Which intervention should the nurse implement to first facilitate elimination?
a. Encourage use of a laxative.
b. Review medication list.
c. Promote fiber in the diet.
d. Suggest added fluid intake.
B
Feedback
A Incorrect. Use of a laxative can be contraindicated and is the therapy of last resort for constipation caused by factors other than opioid analgesics.
B Correct. The nurse begins by reviewing the medication list to find substances that are likely to cause constipation such as opioid analgesics, antidepressants, and others. If the patient is taking an opioid analgesic, and because the patient rates the pain as 3 out of 10, a change in pain medication can help to relieve constipation.
C Incorrect. Promoting fiber in the diet is a reasonable intervention but can be made unnecessary by omitting the opioid analgesic.
D Incorrect. Increasing fluid intake is a reasonable nursing intervention for older adults with and without constipation, but can be unnecessary for this older adult.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is caring for a client who says, "This is how we've always done it." The best interpretation of this is that the client:
a. is describing a cultural tradition. b. is being resistant. c. does not want new information. d. has no need for new information.
Which of the following terms refers to the swelling of the optic disc visible upon ophthalmoscopic exam of the fundus?
A) Cataract B) Glaucoma C) Papilledema D) Hordeolum
Patients who are legally blind may still have partial vision
Indicate whether the statement is true or false
If a patient complains of feeling faint, you should
A. elevate the patient's head and shoulders. B. seat the patient in a chair and elevate the feet. C. apply a cool washcloth to the forehead and neck. D. seat the patient and position the head between the knees.