Nokea
Your patient had spine surgery 2 days ago and is scheduled for discharge tomorrow. He has been taking narcotic pain relievers every 4 hours around the clock. You note that the patient has not had a bowel movement since surgery. You know that the narcotics can be constipating and you think it would be best if the problem is handled prior to the patient leaving for home. There is no order on the chart for a laxative. From the following possible actions, choose which you think represents the most focused and necessary thing(s) for you to do as you prepare to call the doctor for a verbal order for a laxative.
- A. Gather information about the patient's usual bowel habits; ask if he feels constipated and if he has used laxatives in the past.
- B. Ask the patient what laxative has worked for him in the past.
- C. Ask the patient to try to have a bowel movement.
- D. Get the chart and have a pen ready.
Correct Answer: A,B
Rationale: Gathering information about bowel habits and past laxative use provides essential data for the doctor to make an informed decision about the verbal order.
You may also like to solve these questions
I'm going to change Mrs. G's dressing; I see you didn't get to it. Did you get busy?'
- A. Assertive
- B. Avoidant
- C. Aggressive
- D. None of the above
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: This statement is assertive, addressing the issue while opening a dialogue to understand the situation without being confrontational.
You are helping bathe a 27-year-old female patient who has had back surgery. Of the following, which is the best way to communicate your respect for the fact that you are 'invading' her personal space?
- A. Pull the curtains so no one can see you or the patient while you help with her bath.
- B. Pull the curtains, give her a dry towel, and tell her she can use it to 'cover up.'
- C. Pull the curtains and ask her how you can help her.
- D. Pull the curtains and tell her to wash her face and hands, then you will wash her back, and then she can 'finish.'
Correct Answer: B,C
Rationale: Pulling the curtains ensures privacy, and offering a towel to cover up respects her dignity. Asking how you can help involves her in the process, further showing respect.
Interpreting information is not a part of communication but is a part of listening.
- A. TRUE
- B. FALSE
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Interpreting information is a key component of communication, not limited to listening. It involves understanding both verbal and nonverbal messages.
Your patient has an infected wound with a lot of dead tissue called eschar that is preventing healing. The doctor plans to debride the wound, which means to remove the dead tissue. You go in to prepare the patient for the procedure, which is done right at the bedside. Which of the following is the best way to communicate what will happen?
- A. The doctor is going to cut away all the black, dead skin.'
- B. The doctor is going to debride the eschar.'
- C. The doctor is going to remove dead tissue so the wound can heal.'
- D. The doctor is going to clean the wound.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Using clear, simple language like 'remove dead tissue so the wound can heal' ensures the patient understands the procedure without causing alarm or using complex medical terms.
The language used during communication has a significant impact on how that communication is received. Which of the following statements can be used as a guide for communicating a plan of care to your teenage patient and her family?
- A. Speak to all of them as mature adults.
- B. Speak to the teenager in common, widely acceptable slang terms to put her at ease.
- C. Use the correct medical terminology when describing the plan to all of them.
- D. Use common, everyday language to describe the plan.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Using common, everyday language ensures clarity and understanding for both the teenager and her family, avoiding confusion from medical jargon or inappropriate slang.