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An older adult who resides in an assisted living facility has sought care from the nurse because of recurrent episodes of constipation. Which of the following actions should the nurse first perform?
- A. Encourage the patient to take stool softener daily.
- B. Assess the patients food and fluid intake.
- C. Assess the patients surgical history.
- D. Encourage the patient to take fiber supplements.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should follow the nursing process and perform an assessment prior to interventions. The patients food and fluid intake is more likely to affect bowel function than surgery.
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The nurse is caring for a patient who is undergoing diagnostic testing for suspected malabsorption. When taking this patients health history and performing the physical assessment, the nurse should recognize what finding as most consistent with this diagnosis?
- A. Recurrent constipation coupled with weight loss
- B. Foul-smelling diarrhea that contains fat
- C. Fever accompanied by a rigid, tender abdomen
- D. Bloody bowel movements accompanied by fecal incontinence
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The hallmarks of malabsorption syndrome from any cause are diarrhea or frequent, loose, bulky, foul-smelling stools that have increased fat content and are often grayish (steatorrhea). Constipation and bloody bowel movements are not suggestive of malabsorption syndromes. Fever and a tender, rigid abdomen are associated with peritonitis.
A nursing instructor is discussing hemorrhoids with the nursing class. Which patients would the nursing instructor identify as most likely to develop hemorrhoids?
- A. A 45-year-old teacher who stands for 6 hours per day
- B. A pregnant woman at 28 weeks gestation
- C. A 37-year-old construction worker who does heavy lifting
- D. A 60-year-old professional who is under stress
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hemorrhoids commonly affect 50% of patients after the age of 50. Pregnancy may initiate hemorrhoids or aggravate existing ones. This is due to increased constipation during pregnancy. The significance of pregnancy is greater than that of standing, lifting, or stress in the development of hemorrhoids.
A patient has been experiencing disconcerting GI symptoms that have been worsening in severity. Following medical assessment, the patient has been diagnosed with lactose intolerance. The nurse should recognize an increased need for what form of health promotion?
- A. Annual screening colonoscopies
- B. Adherence to recommended immunization schedules
- C. Regular blood pressure monitoring
- D. Frequent screening for osteoporosis
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Persons with lactose intolerance often experience hypocalcemia and a consequent risk of osteoporosis related to malabsorption of calcium. Lactose intolerance does not create an increased need for screening for colorectal cancer, immunizations, or blood pressure monitoring.
A nurse is working with a patient who has chronic constipation. What should be included in patient teaching to promote normal bowel function?
- A. Use glycerin suppositories on a regular basis.
- B. Limit physical activity to promote bowel peristalsis.
- C. Consume high-residue, high-fiber foods.
- D. Resist the urge to defecate until the urge becomes intense.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Goals for the patient include restoring or maintaining a regular pattern of elimination by responding to the urge to defecate, ensuring adequate intake of fluids and high-fiber foods, learning about methods to avoid constipation, relieving anxiety about bowel elimination patterns, and avoiding complications. Ongoing use of soaps or pharmacologic aids should not be promoted, due to the risk of dependence. Increased mobility helps to maintain a regular pattern of elimination. The urge to defecate should be heeded.
A nurse at an outpatient surgery center is caring for a patient who had a hemorrhoidectomy. What discharge education topics should the nurse address with this patient?
- A. The appropriate use of antibiotics to prevent postoperative infection
- B. The correct procedure for taking a sitz bath
- C. The need to eat a low-residue, low-fat diet for the next 2 weeks
- D. The correct technique for keeping the perianal region clean without the use of water
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Sitz baths are usually indicated after perianal surgery. A low-residue, low-fat diet is not necessary and water is used to keep the region clean. Postoperative antibiotics are not normally prescribed.