Author Question: The nurse caring for an older adult diagnosed with hyperplastic polyps instructs him that a. this ... (Read 61 times)

nummyann · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

The nurse caring for an older adult diagnosed with hyperplastic polyps instructs him that

a. this type of polyp is rarely malignant and usually does not require treatment.
b. follow-up colonoscopies should be per-formed every 3 to 4 years after diagnosis.
c. stool should be guaiac tested every week for 1 year after diagnosis.
d. the presence of blood in the stool requires a repeat sigmoidoscopy examination.

Question 2

An older adult patient shares with the admitting nurse that she drinks one shot of whiskey nightly to help her sleep. The nurse documents the need to

a. assess the patient for slurred speech, lack of coordination, and nystagmus.
b. address the effects of alcohol abuse with the patient.
c. provide the patient with an alcohol subs-titute.
d. assess the patient for signs of agitation, as well as anxiety and seizures.

mistyjohnson · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
This type of polyp is rarely cancerous and rarely causes symptoms; however, they occasionally bleed, leaving bright red blood in the stool. A colonoscopy every 3 to 4 years is not indicated nor is testing the stool for blood for 1 year.

Answer to Question 2

D
It is important to assess older patients for the possibility of alcohol withdrawal if agitation, hallu-cinations, anxiety, or seizures develop. Because the patient admits to a shot a day, it is possible she drinks more or uses alcohol to self-medicate for problems other than insomnia. The nurse should monitor the patient for signs of withdrawal as a priority, because this is a medical emer-gency. Slurred speech, lack of coordination, and nystagmus are signs of overindulging. The nurse should not provide an alcohol substitute. It is appropriate to discuss the effects of alcohol, but safety comes first.