An older adult who had surgery recently complains of pain at ...

[vinney12]

An older adult who had surgery recently complains of pain at level of 3 out of 10 and constipation during the postoperative primary care visit. Which intervention should the nurse implement to first facilitate elimination?
 
  a. Encourage use of a laxative.
  b. Review medication list.
  c. Promote fiber in the diet.
  d. Suggest added fluid intake.

Question 2

The nurse should instruct a patient on which of the following modifiable risk factor(s) for essential hypertension? (Select all that apply.)
 
  a. Tobacco use c. Stress management
  b. Alcohol d. Adequate rest

[Ddddd]

Answer to Question 1

B

Feedback
A Incorrect. Use of a laxative can be contraindicated and is the therapy of last resort for constipation caused by factors other than opioid analgesics.
B Correct. The nurse begins by reviewing the medication list to find substances that are likely to cause constipation such as opioid analgesics, antidepressants, and others. If the patient is taking an opioid analgesic, and because the patient rates the pain as 3 out of 10, a change in pain medication can help to relieve constipation.
C Incorrect. Promoting fiber in the diet is a reasonable intervention but can be made unnecessary by omitting the opioid analgesic.
D Incorrect. Increasing fluid intake is a reasonable nursing intervention for older adults with and without constipation, but can be unnecessary for this older adult.

Answer to Question 2

A, B, C
Tobacco use, alcohol, and stress management are modifiable risk factors. Although adequate rest helps with general health and wellness, it has not been identified as a modifiable risk factor for essential hypertension.