Which of the following is a true statement about elimination in older adults?
a. Defecation less than once each day is not necessarily constipation.
b. Mineral oil is recommended as a laxative for the older adult.
c. Excessive sleep can be a symptom of con-stipation.
d. Leaking liquid feces should be treated as diarrhea.
A
Constipation is present when fewer than three bowel movements occur per week or when the frequency decreases. Mineral oil and saline laxatives can be harmful. Fiber, fruit, and fluids are the first recommendations; stimulant laxatives such as senna and cascara can be used on a short-term basis. Altered cognitive status, increased agitation, and unexplained falls can be symptoms of constipation; these behaviors may be the only clinical symptom of constipation in cognitively impaired older persons. Excessive sleep has not been identified as a symptom. Liquid feces may be leaking around a fecal impaction, and antidiarrheal treatment can aggravate the impaction.
You might also like to view...
A patient has taken perphenazine (Prolixin) for a year. The nurse observes lip smacking and grinding teeth. Which tool should the nurse use to complete the assessment?
a. AIMS b. EPSE c. SAD PERSONS d. CAGE questionnaire
Which of the following is a necessary assumption for evaluation to occur?
a. Accrediting agencies focus on careful documentation. b. Actions have both intended and unintended results. c. Nursing care is dependent on the reimbursement available. d. People expect professionals to document their care.
J.R. is admitted to the hospital for a suspected respiratory infection and CF exacerbation. His mother helps
get him settled into the room. Your assessment includes the following: vital signs: 115/76, 85, 28, 101.8 ° F (38.8 ° C) (oral) and spo2: 88% on room air. J.R. weighs 30 kg. Color: pale and dry with bluish-tinged nail beds and clubbing; capillary refill 3 seconds. Respiratory effort labored; coarse productive cough; rhonchi noted throughout; states he has pain of 3 to 4 of 10 with coughing. Thorax has a barrel-chest appearance; patient appears thin with decreased muscle mass. Last void and bowel movement this morning, no prob- lems. Patient anxious and answers questions in short phrases. What are the common microorganisms that cause respiratory infections in children with CF?
The nurse is assessing how a client copes with stress. Which of the following is the best question to ask the client?
a. "How have you handled similar stress in the past?" b. "How do you feel when you face stressful situations?" c. "What is it that causes your stress?" d. "Do you see this as an actual or potential stressor?"