Author Question: A patient complains of constipation. Which question should the nurse ask to learn more about the ... (Read 96 times)

Jramos095 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A patient complains of constipation. Which question should the nurse ask to learn more about the problem?

1. Are you taking any narcotic medication?
2. Have you been taking over-the-counter pain relievers?
3. Have you been taking over-the-counter sleep aids?
4. Are you taking oral contraceptives?

Question 2

During the admission assessment, the nurse learns that a patient is having her menstrual period. Which ordered tests could be impacted by this finding?

1. small bowel series
2. barium enema
3. stool culture
4. colonoscopy

Cheesycrackers · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1
Narcotics may cause constipation. Over-the-counter pain relievers, sleep aids, and oral contraceptives do not affect elimination patterns.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
For a stool culture the stool is collected immediately after defecation. With vaginal bleeding, it is possible that menstrual blood could mix with the stool during defecation. The small bowel series, barium enema, and colonoscopy will not be impacted by menstrual bleeding.