A terminally ill patient is experiencing constipation secondary to pain medication. What is the best way for the nurse to improve the patient's constipation problem?
a. Massage the patient's abdomen.
b. Contact the provider to discontinue pain medication.
c. Administer enemas twice daily for 7 days.
d. Use a stimulant laxative and increase fluid intake.
D
Opioid medication is known to slow gastrointestinal transit time, which places the patient at high risk for constipation. Stimulant laxatives are indicated for opioid-induced constipation. Added water to the diet will allow water to be pulled into the GI tract, softening up stool. Massaging the patient's abdomen may cause further discomfort. Discontinuing pain medication is inappropriate for a terminally ill patient. Enema administration is not the first step in the treatment of opioid-induced constipation.
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