Author Question: The nurse is administering magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) to a patient who has been ... (Read 51 times)

bobypop · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The nurse is administering magnesium hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) to a patient who has been complaining of constipation and has consistently taken the medication every day for a week.

The patient has poor skin turgor, BP 90/60, and HR 120. The nurse should further assess the patient for
a. toxicity.
b. dehydration.
c. increased sodium.
d. increased potassium.

Question 2

A patient admitted to the unit for dehydration tells the nurse that he has not had a bowel movement in 5 days, and he typically has one daily.

The nurse administers psyllium (Metamucil) as ordered and should monitor the patient for
a. bright red stools.
b. black, tarry stools.
c. pale, clay-colored stools.
d. intestinal obstruction.

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Osmotic laxatives can cause a substantial loss of water. The patient is displaying signs and symptoms of dehydration. To prevent dehydration, the patient should increase the water intake.
Nothing indicates toxicity or an increase in sodium or potassium.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Bulk-forming laxatives can cause an intestinal obstruction or impaction if not enough water is consumed. The patient needs concurrent rehydration to prevent this.
Bright red stools would not be anticipated unless the patient has hemorrhoids, and there is no indication of this.
Black, tarry stools typically are seen if blood is present in the stool, no information suggests that the patient has gastrointestinal bleeding.
Pale, clay-colored stools may be apparent if the patient has a hepatic disorder, but no information suggests this.