ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam Related

Review ATI Comprehensive Exit Exam related questions and content

A nurse is planning care for a client who has a prescription for a bowel-training program following a spinal cord injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

  • A. Encourage a maximum fluid intake of 1,500 ml per day.
  • B. Increase the intake of refined grains in the client's diet.
  • C. Provide the client with a cold drink prior to defecation.
  • D. Administer a rectal suppository 30 minutes prior to scheduled defecation times.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Administering a rectal suppository 30 minutes before scheduled defecation times is essential in a bowel-training program following a spinal cord injury. The suppository helps stimulate bowel movements and aids in establishing a regular bowel routine. Encouraging a maximum fluid intake of 1,500 ml per day (Choice A) might be beneficial for bowel function, but it is not specific to the bowel-training program. Increasing the intake of refined grains in the diet (Choice B) is not necessary and could potentially lead to constipation rather than improving bowel movements. Providing a cold drink prior to defecation (Choice C) may not directly contribute to the effectiveness of the bowel-training program compared to the use of a rectal suppository.