The patient is receiving antipsychotic medications and tells the nurse he has not had a bowel movement for 2 days. What is the best initial action of the nurse?

Question

1. Hold the medication until the patient has a bowel movement.
2. Have the patient drink prune juice and additional fluids.
3. Contact the physician for an order for a Fleet Enema.
4. Contact the physician for an order for a stool softener.

Answer 1

2
Rationale 1: Antipsychotic medications should not be held because of constipation.
Rationale 2: Constipation is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications. The best approach is to have the patient increase dietary fiber and fluids and to exercise to prevent constipation.
Rationale 3: Contacting the physician for an order for a Fleet Enema is premature.
Rationale 4: Contacting the physician for an order for a stool softener is premature.
Global Rationale: Constipation is a common side effect of antipsychotic medications. The best approach is to have the patient increase dietary fiber and fluids and to exercise to prevent constipation. Contacting the physician for an order for a Fleet Enema is premature; the patient should initially increase dietary fiber, fluids, and exercise to prevent constipation. Contacting the physician for an order for a stool softener is premature; the patient should initially increase dietary fiber, fluids, and exercise to prevent constipation. Antipsychotic medications should not be held because of constipation.