Author Question: A client is caring for her husband who recently experienced a cerebral vascular accident. She tells ... (Read 116 times)

clippers! · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client is caring for her husband who recently experienced a cerebral vascular accident. She tells the home care nurse that she has been very anxious lately about all the added responsibilities.

She adds that she has not been sleeping well and has had several bouts of diarrhea. Which of the following statements by the nurse focuses on the most likely cause of the gastrointestinal prob-lem?
1. Have you experienced increased gas and cramping in addition to the diarrhea?
2. You are under a lot of stress; that can affect your bowels and result in diarrhea.
3. I suggest you get some over-the-counter medication and keep it on hand to manage those bouts.
4. Have you been eating a well-balanced diet since you brought your husband home?

Question 2

A 70-year-old client is discussing his recent difficulty with having regular bowel movements while on a cross-country bus tour with a senior citizens' group.

Which of the following assessment questions is directed toward the most likely cause of the problem?
1. Did the bus stop frequently so you could get up and walk around?
2. Did you eat enough fiber while you were on the trip?
3. Do you find using public restrooms unsettling?
4. Do you have any chronic bowel-related problems?

Christopher · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 2
During emotional stress the digestive process is accelerated, and peristalsis is increased. Side ef-fects of increased peristalsis are diarrhea and gaseous distention. The remaining options are fo-cused on the most likely cause of the problem, or they are focused on treatment, not cause.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 3
Attempting to eliminate in a public restroom sometimes results in a temporary inability to defe-cate. This embarrassment may prompt clients to ignore the urge to defecate, which begins a vi-cious cycle of constipation and discomfort. Although the remaining options may affect bowel elimination, the situation of the scenario strongly suggests an emotional cause.