The Nurse Is Interviewing a Client Who Is Experiencing Constipation

question 56

Multiple Choice

The nurse is interviewing a client who is experiencing constipation. During the interview, the client states, "I don't understand what is going on. I feel the urge to go to the bathroom but, once I am in there and I begin pushing with my abdominal muscles, nothing happens." Which of the following represents the nurse's best response to the client?

• A)"Try taking an over-the-counter medication containing bismuth salts, such as Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol. If your symptoms don't subside in 2 days, come back to the office."
• B)"Stop taking all medications until you have reestablished a normal elimination routine. Medication usage often leads to constipation."
• C)"Make sure that you are taking proper care of the skin in the anal area. Skin breakdown can result in hesitancy when defecating."
• D)"Try to avoid straining with the abdominal muscles during defecation. Doing so may actually close the anal sphincter, preventing feces from passing through."

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Definitions:

Mantle Plume

A rising column of hot, solid mantle material that originates from deep within the Earth, potentially causing volcanic activity when it reaches the surface.

Less Dense

This term refers to a material that has a lower density, meaning fewer mass units per volume, making it more buoyant or likely to float in a denser substance.

Mostly Molten

Refers to the state of material that is primarily in a liquid form due to high temperatures, often relating to the Earth's mantle.

Decompression Melting

The process by which melting occurs in the mantle due to a decrease in pressure as hot mantle rocks rise closer to the Earth's surface.