Author Question: A client who is 2 days' postoperative reports feeling constipated to the nurse. The client has good ... (Read 77 times)

clmills979 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A client who is 2 days' postoperative reports feeling constipated to the nurse. The client has good bowel sounds in all four quadrants and has tolerated liquids well. Her pain is being con-trolled with an opioid analgesic.

Which of the following interventions should the nurse try initially?
1. Let me get you some apple juice.
2. Ambulating may get your bowels moving.
3. I'll see about getting a different pain medication.
4. Your health care provider might prescribe an enema if I call.

Question 2

Which of the following statements by a client reporting constipation reflects the most informed understanding of interventions that will aid in assuming proper bowel mobility?

1. Could it be that I need to get more exercise, even here in the hospital?
2. Is it true that drinking coffee often helps stimulate the bowels to work?
3. I guess a little high-fiber cereal might help. Can you get me some from the cafe-teria?
4. May I have a cup of decaffeinated tea in addition to my breakfast juice? That usually helps.

Ashley I · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: 1
An increase in fluid intake with the use of fruit juices softens stool and increases peristalsis. The remaining interventions are not inappropriate, but they are not the initial intervention for such a complaint.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: 4
Unless there is a medical contraindication, an adult needs to drink six to eight glasses (1500 to 2000 mL) of noncaffeinated fluid daily. An increase in fluid intake with the use of fruit juices softens stool and increases peristalsis. Poor fluid intake increases the risk for constipation because of reabsorption of fluid in the colon, resulting in hard, dry stools. Although the other options are not incorrect, the client does not seem to have past experience with these suggestions.