A terminally ill patient is experiencing constipation secondary to pain medication. Which is the best method for the nurse to improve the patient's constipation problem?
a. Contact the health care provider to discontinue pain medication.
b. Administer enemas twice daily for 7 days.
c. Massage the patient's abdomen.
d. Use a laxative.
ANS: D
Opioid medication is known to slow peristalsis, which places the patient at high risk for constipation. Laxatives are indicated for opioid-induced constipation. Massaging the patient's abdomen may cause further discomfort. Discontinuing pain medication is inappropriate for a terminally ill patient. Enema administration twice a day is not the best step in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation.
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