A patient complains of gas pains and abdominal distention two days after a small bowel resection. Which nursing action is best to take?
a. Encourage the patient to ambulate.
b. Instill a mineral oil retention enema.
c. Administer the ordered IV morphine sulfate.
d. Offer the ordered promethazine (Phenergan) suppository.
a. Encourage the patient to ambulate.
Ambulation will improve peristalsis and help the patient eliminate flatus and reduce gas pain. A mineral oil retention enema is helpful for constipation with hard stool. A return-flow enema might be used to relieve persistent gas pains. Morphine will further reduce peristalsis. Promethazine (Phenergan) is used as an antiemetic rather than to decrease gas pains or distention.
You might also like to view...
Where is the center of gravity of a well-aligned standing adult located?
1. Slightly anterior of the upper lumbar spine 2. Slightly posterior of the ileac crest 3. Slightly anterior of the waist 4. Slightly anterior of the upper sacrum
A client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease is prescribed to take levodopa. The nurse should instruct the client about possible side effects which include:
A) orthostatic hypotension and confusion. B) acute hypertension and glycosuria. C) diarrhea. D) bradycardia.
The male client complains that his artificial eye is uncomfortable. Which should the nurse implement after removing the prosthesis?
1. Check prosthesis for rough edges. 2. Store in dry container for 24 hours. 3. Rinse the artificial eye with alcohol. 4. Use a 10-ml syringe to irrigate orbit.
The president of the Parent-Teacher Association asks the school nurse about the appropriateness of sponsoring a health fair that focuses on oral health for school-age children. Which of the following statements indicates the nurses correct understanding of this issue?
a. Dental problems are not as prevalent a problem as asthma, so you might want to consider a health fair about respiratory problems instead. b. Over 40% of children age 2 to 11 have dental caries, so a health fair that focuses on oral care is very appropriate. c. Children are not usually receptive to learning about dental care, so the topic is not the best choice for a health fair. d. This is not an appropriate focus for a health fair because the incidence of dental caries has dropped dramatically due to the use of sealants.