Nokea
Before administering a laxative to a bedfast client, it is most important for the nurse to perform which assessment?
- A. Assess the client's strength in moving and turning in the bed.
- B. Observe the skin integrity of the client's rectal and sacral areas.
- C. Evaluate the client's ability to recognize the urge to defecate.
- D. Determine the frequency and consistency of bowel movements.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Assessing bowel movement frequency and consistency is critical to determine the need for a laxative and monitor its effectiveness. Strength, skin integrity, and urge recognition are less directly related to laxative administration.
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History and physical
POD 5
1015
The client is alert and oriented. Rates her pain a 3 on a 0 to 10 pain scale. The client says that she has fullness in her abdomen. Heart sounds are regular and rhythmic. Pulses 1+ in all extremities and equal. Her last bowel movement was POD 2. Healthcare provider notified. The client voided 150 mL of urine.
1100
Bisacodyl suppository given as prescribed.
Reported slight rectal burning when administered.
Nurses notes
POD 5
1015
The client is alert and oriented. Rates her pain a 3 on a 0 to 10 pain scale. The client says that she has fullness in her abdomen. Heart sounds are regular and rhythmic. Pulses 1+ in all extremities and equal. Her last bowel movement was POD 2. Healthcare provider notified. The client voided 150 mL of urine.
1100
Bisacodyl suppository given as prescribed.
Reported slight rectal burning when administered.
1200
Rates her pain a 7 on a 0 to 10 pain scale. Pulses 1+ in all extremities and equal. Morphine given as prescribed. She asked to use the restroom but felt dizzy. Voided 600 mL urine in the bedpan.
Flowsheet
Vital Signs
POD 5
1015
Temperature 97.2° F (36.2° C) orally
Heart rate 77 beats/minute
Respiratory rate 14 breaths/minute
Blood pressure 119/75 mm Hg
1200
• Temperature 97° F (36.1° C) orally
Review H and P, nurse's notes, flow sheet, and prescriptions. Mark whether the assessment finding represents a therapeutic result of the lactulose administered, a non-therapeutic side-effect, or an unrelated finding. Each row must have only one option selected.
- A. Reported slight rectal burning sensation: Non-therapeutic side effect
- B. Large, soft stool: Therapeutic result
- C. Dizziness: Non-therapeutic side effect
- D. Pain level of 3 on a 0 to 10 pain scale: Unrelated finding
- E. 600ml of urine: Unrelated finding
- F. Abdomen soft and flat: Unrelated finding
- G. Respiratory rate 13 breaths/min: Unrelated finding
Correct Answer:
Rationale: The question refers to bisacodyl, not lactulose. A: Rectal burning is a bisacodyl side effect. B: Soft stool is the therapeutic effect. C: Dizziness may relate to morphine, not bisacodyl. D, E, F, G: Pain, urine output, abdomen, and respiratory rate are unrelated to bisacodyl.
A client with cystitis receives a prescription for phenazopyridine. Which information should the nurse explain to the client about its therapeutic effect?
- A. Provides an analgesic effect for irritated bladder mucosa.
- B. Eliminates urinary bacteria.
- C. Calms spasms in the urinary tract.
- D. Use the medication after voiding after sexual intercourse.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phenazopyridine is a urinary analgesic that relieves pain, burning, and discomfort from irritated bladder mucosa in cystitis. It does not have antibacterial properties, calm spasms, or require specific timing related to sexual intercourse.
A client who experiences migraine headaches reports having fewer headaches since using the herbal remedy feverfew. Which information is most important for the nurse to include in a teaching plan for this client?
- A. Increased anxiety and nervousness have been reported by those taking feverfew.
- B. Those with allergies to chamomile, ragweed, or yarrow should not take feverfew.
- C. Abdominal pain, gas, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur when taking feverfew.
- D. Feverfew may interact with aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Feverfew can cause allergic reactions in individuals allergic to chamomile, ragweed, or yarrow, making this critical to prevent serious reactions. Anxiety, GI effects, or NSAID interactions are less urgent.
A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives a new prescription for an ipratropium inhaler. Which action indicates to the nurse that additional teaching is needed?
- A. Stores the medication at room temperature.
- B. Primes the inhaler with 7 pumps.
- C. Attaches spacer device to the inhaler.
- D. Rinses the mouth after each use.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Priming an ipratropium inhaler with 7 pumps is excessive; typically, 2–3 pumps are needed if unused for a period. Room temperature storage, spacer use, and mouth rinsing are correct practices.
The nurse is administering SUBQ enoxaparin to a client following knee replacement surgery to prevent a deep vein thrombosis. Which laboratory result requires immediate action by the nurse?
- A. Platelet count of 100,000/mm3 (100 x 10^9/L).
- B. Serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL (88.4 μmol/L).
- C. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 20 mg/dL (7.1 mmol/L).
- D. Hematocrit 45% (0.45 volume fraction).
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A platelet count of 100,000/mm3 indicates thrombocytopenia, increasing bleeding risk with enoxaparin, requiring immediate action. Creatinine, BUN, and hematocrit are within normal ranges.