The nurse is caring for a patient who reports feeling constipated, yet passes frequent small liquid stools. Which action should the nurse take?
a. Check the patient for a fecal impaction.
b. Administer an antidiarrheal medication.
c. Explain that liquid stools indicate diarrhea.
d. Check the abdomen for rebound tenderness.
ANS: A
Fecal impaction results when the fecal mass is so dry it cannot be passed. Small amounts of liquid stool ooze around the fecal mass and cause incontinence of liquid stools. B. If the incontinence is treated with an antidiarrheal medication, it will worsen the constipation. C. The patient is not experiencing liquid stools. D. Rebound tenderness is not a manifestation of fecal impaction.
You might also like to view...
The nurse is talking with a male client regarding his recent relapse of alcohol addiction. The client alludes to the fact that he started to drink again after a fight with his wife
The nurse uses clarification to ensure an accurate understanding of the client. Which statement is the best example of clarification? a. "You said that the fight you had with your wife caused you to start drinking again?" b. "Let's discuss what made you feel the need to drink." c. "Could you tell me again when and what happened that you feel caused you to start drinking again?" d. "Tell me what your childhood was like."
The setting of health care services that includes blood pressure and cancer screening is _____ care
a. Secondary acute b. Preventive c. Tertiary d. Restorative
The nurse is providing education to a client recently diagnosed with psoriasis. The client questions the nurse about the potential for curing the condition. What response by the nurse is most appropriate?
A) "The condition is hard to cure." B) "You will likely experience periods of increased skin outbreaks and periods of remissions." C) "You will have this disease for life." D) "Your personal health habits will dictate how well you handle this condition."
A female client asks a nurse about the advantages of using a female condom. Which should the nurse tell the client?
A. It can be used along with a male condom B. That it is 100% safe in preventing pregnancy C. That it offers protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) D. That it does not have to be discarded after use and can be used several times before a new one must be obtained