A new mother required an episiotomy during the birth of her baby. Two days after delivery, the patient is in need of a laxative. What will be the most effective drug for the nurse to administer?
A) Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
B) Castor oil (Neolid)
C) Magnesium sulfate (epsom salts)
D) Docusate (Colace)
D
Feedback:
Docusate is a stool softener that will make expulsion of stool easier in a traumatized body area following an episiotomy. Care must be taken to choose a mild laxative that will not enter breast milk and not affect the newborn if the mother is nursing. Docusate is the drug of choice from this list because it is mild and will produce a soft stool and decrease the need to strain. The other options would not be appropriate because they do not soften the stool and are harsher laxatives that can enter breast milk.
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The nurse assists the patient who had a recent cerebral vascular accident (CVA or stroke) with drinking water, and the patient begins to choke. Which intervention is the best choice to meet the patient's priority need?
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