A student nurse is preparing morning medications for a client who had a stroke. The student plans to hold the docusate sodium (Colace) because the client had a large stool earlier. What action by the supervising nurse is best?
a. Have the student ask the client if it is desired or not.
b. Inform the student that the docusate should be given.
c. Tell the student to document the rationale.
d. Tell the student to give it unless the client refuses.
ANS: B
Stool softeners should be given to clients with neurologic disorders in order to prevent an elevation in intracranial pressure that accompanies the Valsalva maneuver when constipated. The supervising nurse should instruct the student to administer the docusate. The other options are not appropriate. The medication could be held for diarrhea.
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