Nokea
The nurse identifies a nursing diagnosis of Diarrhea for a client being started on cholinergic drug therapy. Which of the following would the nurse most likely include in the client's plan of care?
Correct Answer: A,B
Rationale: When a cholinergic drug is administered, the client may experience diarrhea. This reaction will continue until tolerance develops, usually within a few weeks. Until tolerance develops, the nurse needs to ensure that proper facilities, such as a bedside commode, bedpan, or bathroom, are readily available. The patient is encouraged to ambulate to assist in the passing of flatus. If needed, a rectal tube may be used to assist in the passing of flatus. The nurse should document fluid intake and output and track the number, consistency, and frequency of stools if diarrhea is present. Since diarrhea occurs with any cholinergic drug, switching to another would be of no help. The client needs to replace fluids lost with diarrhea, so limiting fluid intake would be inappropriate. Ambulating to assist with the passage of flatus would be appropriate, while strict bed rest would not be necessary.