A patient is admitted with lower abdominal pain and nausea. The nurse performing the initial assessment notes that the patient's abdomen is distended and firm, and hypoactive bowel sounds are present. The patient has not had a stool for 3 days
The nurse will contact the provider, who will: a. order a bulk-forming laxative.
b. order extra fluids and fiber.
c. perform diagnostic tests.
d. prescribe a cathartic laxative.
C
Laxatives are contraindicated for patients with abdominal pain, nausea, cramps, or other symp-toms of abdominal disease or an acute surgical abdomen. Laxatives should not be used in pa-tients with obstruction or impaction. This patient shows signs of abdominal obstruction, and lax-atives could cause a bowel perforation secondary to increased peristalsis. A bulk-forming laxative is contraindicated. Patients with acute abdomens should be kept NPO pending diagnosis. A cathartic laxative is contraindicated.
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