A patient reports taking an oral bisacodyl laxative [Dulcolax] for several years. The provider has suggested discontinuing the laxative, but the patient is unsure how to do this. The nurse will tell the patient to:
a. stop taking the oral laxative and use a suppository until normal motility resumes.
b. stop taking the laxative immediately and expect no stool for several days.
c. switch to a bulk-forming laxative, such as methylcellulose [Metamucil].
d. withdraw from the laxative slowly to avoid a rebound constipation effect.
B
The first step in breaking the laxative habit is abrupt cessation of laxative use. Bowel movements will be absent for several days after laxative withdrawal. Using a suppository, a bulk-forming laxative, or tapering the laxative only prolongs the habit and prevents normal function from re-turning.
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The nurse is reviewing the admission blood work of a patient who is being treated for significant burns. The patient's serum potassium level is 7.1 mEq/L (normal 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L), which is primarily a result of:
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A client is very upset that he recently had a vasectomy but his wife got pregnant anyway. When taking a history on this client, which question should the nurse specifically ask?
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The client is receiving a very expensive medication. The client asks the nurse why the medicine is so expensive. What is the best response by the nurse?
1. "It is expensive, but your insurance covers it and you have a low co-pay." 2. "Drug companies are allowed to advertise medications and this adds to the cost." 3. "Drug companies must recoup the cost of developing and producing the drug." 4. "I think the drug companies should be more accountable for lowering costs."
The percentage of U.S. residents living in rural settings is about
a. 5 b. 15 c. 25 d. 40