Author Question: Several hospitalized clients have an order for a laxative as needed for constipation. To which ... (Read 53 times)

Brittanyd9008 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

Several hospitalized clients have an order for a laxative as needed for constipation. To which client would the nurse expect to administer a laxative?

1. A client who had a bowel movement yesterday and one the day before but not yet today
2. A client who has not had a bowel movement in 4 days
3. A client who did not have a bowel movement today, but had one yesterday
4. A client who has daily bowel movements that are formed

Question 2

A client is being seen in a GI clinic. Which statement by the client suggests a diagnosis of constipation?

1. I have only had one bowel movement every other day for the past week.
2. I have been having trouble with pain, bloating, and gas. My last bowel movement was 4 days ago.
3. I haven't had a bowel movement today, but I had one yesterday.
4. I feel like I am constipated. Please give me a laxative.

phuda · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: This client is not likely to have constipation, as the definition of constipation is two or fewer bowel movements per week.
Rationale 2: This client is likely constipated, as the definition of constipation is two or fewer bowel movements per week.
Rationale 3: This client is not likely to have constipation, as the definition of constipation is two or fewer bowel movements per week.
Rationale 4: This client is not likely to have constipation, as the definition of constipation is two or fewer bowel movements per week.
Global Rationale: The client most in need of a laxative is the one who has not had a bowel movement in four days. The other clients are experiencing more frequent bowel movements.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale 1: This might be normal for the client, as the normal range is two or three bowel movements per day to one per week.
Rationale 2: The client is reporting symptoms of constipation (pain, bloating, and gas) and the last bowel movement of 4 days ago.
Rationale 3: This might be normal for the client, as the normal range is from two or three bowel movements per day to one per week.
Rationale 4: The client is not necessarily experiencing constipation. The client's definition of constipation might consist of decreased frequency of bowel movements, but the normal range is two or three bowel movements per day to one per week.
Global Rationale: The client is reporting symptoms of constipation (pain, bloating, and gas) and the last bowel movement of 4 days ago. It would be reasonable to suspect constipation. Bowel movement frequency is individual, so stools every other day do not indicate constipation. Feeling constipated is the second best answer, but there are no other symptoms provided.