A patient is using psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid (Metamucil) to promote evacuation of stool. What is the action of this medication?
A) It reduces the surface tension of bowel contents.
B) It irritates the intestinal mucosa, thus increasing intestinal motility.
C) It increases mass and water content of stool, promoting evacuation.
D) It creates a barrier between the colon wall and feces.
Question 2
A 55-year-old man has been diagnosed with coronary artery disease and begun antiplatelet therapy. The man has asked the nurse why he is not taking a blood thinner like warfarin.
What is the most likely rationale for the clinician's use of an antiplatelet agent rather than an anticoagulant? A) Antiplatelet agents do not require the man to undergo frequent blood work; anticoagulants require constant blood work to ensure safety.
B) Antiplatelet agents are more effective against arterial thrombosis; anticoagulants are more effective against venous thrombosis.
C) Antiplatelet agents are most effective in large vessels; anticoagulants are most effective in the small vessels of the peripheral circulation.
D) Antiplatelet agents have fewer adverse effects than anticoagulants.
Stained section of cerebral cortex from autopsy of a patient with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
Teaching an illterate patient
All messages must be documented and placed in the patient's chart.
Patient Teaching Methods Cont.
A surgeon holds a pacemaker next to an X-ray of a pacemaker implanted in a patient’s chest.
Use a step stool to help an infirm client get on and off the table.