An 85-year-old patient is concerned about the loss of sensation ...

[dejastew]

An 85-year-old patient is concerned about the loss of sensation of the need to defecate. How should the nurse respond?
 
  1. This is a normal part of aging due to slowed intestinal absorption.
  2. As you age, the rectum loses tone, and there is a reduced sensation of the need to defecate.
  3. Have you had a colonoscopy in the past year to evaluate the condition?
  4. Reduced vitamin K absorption is associated with this condition.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis. What actions should the nurse take when preparing this patient's insulin infusion?
 
  Select all that apply.
 
  1. Attach insulin infusion to an intravenous pump.
  2. Have one ampule of Dextrose 10 at the bedside.
  3. Flush the tubing with the insulin solution before connecting.
  4. Prepare an infusion of Dextrose 5 and 0.45 normal saline.
  5. Discontinue the infusion after first dose of subcutaneous insulin.

[sultana.d]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
The loss of muscle tone within the internal sphincter is responsible for the patient's clinical manifestations. Intestinal absorption slows and vitamin K absorption is reduced with aging, but neither is responsible for the concerns raised by the patient. Asking about a colonoscopy does not address the patient's concern.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1, 3, 5
Insulin infusions are always administered using an intravenous pump. Flush the intravenous tubing with 50 mL of insulin mixed with normal saline solution to saturate binding sites on the tubing before administering the insulin to the patient. Do not discontinue the intravenous infusion until subcutaneous administration of insulin is resumed. Dextrose 50 should be kept at the bedside in the event of a hypoglycemic reaction. Dextrose 50 should be kept at the bedside in the event of a hypoglycemic reaction.