Author Question: A middle-aged patient is frustrated by her increasingly frequent episodes of constipation. She tells ... (Read 59 times)

vinney12 · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

A middle-aged patient is frustrated by her increasingly frequent episodes of constipation. She tells the nurse that she is highly reluctant to take medications. What nonpharmacologic measure should the nurse recommend?

A) Adoption of a low-fat diet
B) Use of a fiber supplement
C) Daily consumption of 6 to 8 L of fluids
D) Use of a ginger or ginseng supplement

Question 2

When participating in the care of a patient who is being treated with antimicrobials, the nurse can promote the appropriate use of these medications in which of the following ways?

A) Encouraging the use of narrow-spectrum, rather than broad-spectrum, antibiotics
B) Promoting the use of prophylactic antibiotics for patients possessing risk factors for infection
C) Initiating empiric therapy for all older adult patients admitted to a health care facility
D) Promoting the use of herbal treatment for infection rather than antimicrobial drugs

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

Answer to Question 1

B
Feedback:
There is some evidence that fiber supplements improve the frequency and consistency of stools. No effectiveness data support increasing fluids beyond normal intake. Low fat intake, ginger, and ginseng are not noted to benefit patients with constipation.

Answer to Question 2

A
Feedback:
Guidelines to promote more appropriate use of antimicrobial drugs include using a narrow-spectrum antibacterial drug instead of a broad-spectrum drug, whenever possible, in order to decrease the risk of a superinfection. Herbal alternatives are frequently not available. Antibiotics should not normally be administered in the absence of a diagnosed infection.