what is the best intervention for a patient with constipation

ATI RN

ATI Exit Exam RN

1. What is the best intervention for a patient with constipation?

A. Administer a stool softener
B. Encourage fluid intake
C. Provide a high-fiber diet
D. Administer a laxative

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging fluid intake is the best intervention for a patient with constipation. Fluids help soften stools, making them easier to pass. While stool softeners and laxatives can also help with constipation, they are more of a short-term solution and may not address the root cause. A high-fiber diet is beneficial for preventing constipation in the long run, but in the immediate situation of constipation, fluid intake is key.

2. How should a healthcare provider care for a patient with a tracheostomy?

A. Clean the tracheostomy site daily
B. Change the tracheostomy ties daily
C. Suction the tracheostomy regularly
D. Provide humidified oxygen

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Suctioning the tracheostomy regularly is crucial in caring for a patient with a tracheostomy as it helps keep the airway clear of secretions, preventing blockages and potential complications. Cleaning the tracheostomy site daily is important for hygiene but not as critical as regular suctioning. Changing the tracheostomy ties daily may not be necessary unless soiled or loose. Providing humidified oxygen may be part of the care plan but is not as directly related to maintaining the tracheostomy patency as suctioning.

3. A client with osteoporosis should be encouraged to perform which of the following interventions as part of the plan of care?

A. Encourage the client to increase calcium intake.
B. Apply heat to the affected joints to reduce stiffness.
C. Encourage weight-bearing exercises to prevent bone loss.
D. Limit fluid intake to prevent swelling.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to encourage weight-bearing exercises to prevent bone loss in clients with osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises help to strengthen bones and reduce the risk of fractures. Increasing calcium intake (Choice A) is important for bone health but is not the priority intervention for preventing bone loss in osteoporosis. Applying heat to affected joints (Choice B) may help with stiffness but does not address the underlying bone loss in osteoporosis. Limiting fluid intake (Choice D) is not relevant to managing osteoporosis and preventing bone loss.

4. A nurse is planning care for a client who has a new diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include?

A. Massage the affected extremity every 4 hours.
B. Encourage the client to remain on bed rest.
C. Apply cold packs to the affected extremity.
D. Encourage the client to ambulate frequently.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is to apply cold packs to the affected extremity. Cold packs help reduce swelling and pain by causing vasoconstriction. Massaging the affected extremity could dislodge a clot, leading to serious complications. Encouraging bed rest may increase the risk of clot propagation, while frequent ambulation is contraindicated as it can dislodge clots.

5. A client has a new prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. You should lie down before taking this medication.
B. You should take this medication on an empty stomach.
C. You should never take a double dose if you miss one.
D. You should store this medication in its original container at room temperature.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed nitroglycerin sublingual tablets is to lie down before taking the medication. Nitroglycerin can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure leading to dizziness or fainting, so taking the medication while lying down helps prevent falls. Choice B is incorrect because nitroglycerin is usually taken on an empty stomach to enhance its absorption. Choice C is incorrect as taking a double dose of nitroglycerin can lead to low blood pressure and other adverse effects. Choice D is incorrect as nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should be stored in their original container at room temperature away from light and moisture, not in the refrigerator.