A nurse in an acute care facility is caring for a client who is postop following abdominal surgery. Which behavior should the nurse identify as increasing the client's risk for constipation?
- A. Increased physical activity
- B. Frequent urge suppression
- C. Increased fiber intake
- D. Decreased fluid intake
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Frequent urge suppression can lead to constipation, especially postoperatively. Suppressing the urge to defecate can disrupt normal bowel movements and result in constipation. Increased physical activity, increased fiber intake, and adequate fluid intake are measures that typically help prevent constipation by promoting bowel regularity and preventing stool hardening. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are not behaviors that increase the client's risk for constipation.
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A nurse is assisting with meal planning for a client who has been prescribed a mechanical soft diet. Which food should the nurse instruct the client to avoid?
- A. Steamed carrots
- B. Orange slices
- C. Mashed potatoes
- D. Baked chicken
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct! Orange slices should be avoided by clients on a mechanical soft diet as they can be difficult to chew and swallow. Steamed carrots, mashed potatoes, and baked chicken are suitable choices for a mechanical soft diet, as they are softer in texture and easier to consume without posing a risk of choking or swallowing difficulties.
A nurse is monitoring a client who is receiving continuous enteral feedings. What is a sign of intolerance to the feeding?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Nausea
- C. Constipation
- D. Decreased heart rate
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nausea is a common sign of intolerance to enteral feedings and should be addressed promptly. Weight gain (Choice A) is not typically a sign of intolerance to enteral feedings but may indicate other health issues. Constipation (Choice C) is not a common sign of feeding intolerance. Decreased heart rate (Choice D) is not typically associated with intolerance to enteral feedings.
A client expresses anxiety about an upcoming surgery. What should the nurse do?
- A. Administer a sedative
- B. Ask the client to describe their feelings
- C. Call the surgeon to address the anxiety
- D. Provide information on post-op care
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a client expresses anxiety, it is essential for the nurse to encourage the client to verbalize their feelings. This helps the client express concerns, fears, and uncertainties, enabling the nurse to provide appropriate emotional support. Administering a sedative (Choice A) should not be the initial response as it does not address the underlying emotional needs of the client. Calling the surgeon to address anxiety (Choice C) may not be within the nurse's scope of practice and may not directly address the client's emotional needs. Providing information on post-op care (Choice D) is important but not the priority when the client is experiencing anxiety preoperatively.
A nurse is reviewing the lab report of a client who has been experiencing a fever for the last 3 days. What lab result indicates the client is experiencing fluid volume deficit (FVD)?
- A. Decreased BUN levels
- B. Increased hematocrit
- C. Increased white blood cell count
- D. Decreased hematocrit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Increased hematocrit. Increased hematocrit indicates hemoconcentration, which is a sign of fluid volume deficit. When there is a decrease in fluid volume in the body, the blood becomes more concentrated, leading to an increase in hematocrit levels. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because decreased BUN levels, increased white blood cell count, and decreased hematocrit are not indicative of fluid volume deficit.
A nurse is preparing to administer enteral feedings to a client with a nasogastric (NG) tube. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Measure the residual gastric volume
- B. Verify tube placement
- C. Flush the tube with 100 mL of water
- D. Administer the feeding in small boluses
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Verifying tube placement is the crucial initial step a nurse should take before administering enteral feedings through an NG tube. This step ensures that the tube is correctly positioned in the stomach, reducing the risk of complications such as aspiration. Measuring residual gastric volume, flushing the tube with water, or administering the feeding in small boluses are all important steps in enteral feeding but should only be done after confirming the correct tube placement.