The nurse is instructing a patient who will take psyllium (Metamucil) to treat constipation. What information will the nurse include when teaching this patient?
a. The importance of consuming adequate amounts of water
b. The need to monitor for systemic side effects
c. The onset of action of 30 to 60 minutes after administration
d. The need to use the dry form of Metamucil to prevent cramping
ANS: A
Insufficient fluid intake can cause the drug to solidify in the gastrointestinal tract. Psyllium is not digestible, so it does not have systemic side effects. Onset of action for psyllium is between 10 and 24 hours. The dry form can cause cramping.
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The parents have requested to be present during their child's procedure. How should the nurse plan for this request?
1. Explain in detail, using medical terms, what will occur. 2. Explain to the family that it is not permitted for family members to be present. 3. Prepare family members for what they should anticipate and what is expected of them. 4. Prepare the family to speak with the physician.
Which nursing intervention should be completed immediately after the physician has performed a needle liver biopsy?
a. Assisting to ambulate for the bathroom b. Keeping the patient on the right side for a minimum of 2 hours c. Taking vital signs every 4 hours d. Keeping the patient on the left side for a minimum of 4 hours
Which of the following accurately describes the therapeutic action of the beta-blockers in the treatment of chronic heart failure?
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Rodney is a nurse who works for a medical unit in the hospital. He is admitting Harry, a 76-year-old patient from a nursing home. Harry's health care provider has admitted him with a UTI
During his assessment, Rodney notes that Harry complains of right flank pain. To assess for tenderness, Rodney should gently: A. auscultate the costovertebral angle. B. palpate the tenth intercostal space. C. percuss the costovertebral angle. D. touch the area above the ischial spine.