The nurse is caring for a patient who will undergo colonoscopy testing. Which intervention will the nurse include in the patient's plan of care for the day before the test?
a. Provide the patient with zinc oxide skin barrier cream for the perineal area.
b. Obtain an order for a gentle laxative to be given once the test is completed.
c. Carefully assess the patient's ability to swallow liquids through a straw.
d. Check the patient for allergies to shellfish and iodine-based contrast dyes.
ANS: A
Complete bowel evacuation is required prior to colonoscopy so that the physician can visualize the interior of the large intestine. The patient will have multiple soft-liquid bowel movements as part of the bowel prep for the test, so skin barrier cream will be helpful to prevent perineal irritation. Laxatives will not be needed after the colonoscopy, and no contrast dyes are used.
You might also like to view...
A corrections nurse is working to develop programs for inmates and reviews the demographics of this population to determine issues. Which of the following would the nurse expect to find?
A) Greater portion of inmates who are white B) Increasing number of women in prison C) Equal distribution of socioeconomic backgrounds D) Incarceration primarily for minor crimes
A school-aged child with cancer is receiving chemotherapy. Which nursing action would best promote the oral comfort of a child receiving chemotherapy?
A) Asking the child to rinse the mouth with salt water B) Encouraging the use of acidic fruit juices to decrease mouth organisms C) Keeping the child's lips moist with Vaseline to prohibit cracking D) Vigorously brushing the teeth and gums to remove secretions
The nurse is collecting biographical data during the physical assessment for a terminal patient. Which question is appropriate for the nurse to ask?
1) "How long have you been ill?" 2) "Do you have advance directives?" 3) "What is your current functional capacity?" 4) "Are you allergic to any medications?"
An older adult client comes to the clinic with reports of not being able to hold her urine, stating: "I feel so terrible. This shouldn't happen at my age." How should the nurse respond?
1. "You shouldn't feel badly. Lots of people have this trouble." 2. "You'll probably have to start wearing incontinence briefs. Then you won't be worried about accidents." 3. "Getting old isn't much fun, is it?" 4. "There could be a number of causes for this. I need to ask you some more questions about it."