Constipation EAQ

Which food would the nurse instruct a client recovering from a suprapubic prostatectomy to eat as a strategy to prevent straining and bleeding secondary to constipation?

Apples, Oatmeal, Green peas Rationale: apples, oatmeal and green peas are high in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Milk and milk products can be constipating; they do not contain bulk. Scrambled eggs contain little dietary fiber and do not prevent constipation.

Which statement is important for the nurse to include in the teaching plan of a client with irritable bowel syndrome who has instructions to take psyllium for constipation?

"Each dose should be taken with a full glass of water or juice" Rationale: This bulk-forming laxative works by absorbing water into the intestine, which increases bulk and distends the bowel to initiate reflex bowel activity, this promoting a bowel movement. A full glass of fluid taken at the same time will help minimize the risk of esophageal obstruction or fecal impaction. Senna, a psyllium, are the only laxatives that are recommended for long-term use in and in cases of irritable bowel syndrome; they are used to prevent constipation and should not be stopped once a bowel movement occurs. Prolonged use of lubricant laxatives, such as mineral oil, can inhibit in the absorption of some fat-soluble vitamins.

Which factor would the nurse assess for a client reporting constipation?

Diet, Fluid intake, Use of laxatives, Date of last bowel movement, Use of opioid pain medication. Rationale: If a client complains of constipation, the nurse would inquire about factors related to constipation including diet, fluid intake, laxative use, date of last bowel movement, and whether or not the client is taking opioid pain medications.

A client who recently experienced a brain attack (cerebrovascular accident [CVA]) and has limited mobility reports constipation. Which is most important for the nurse to determine when collecting information about the constipation?

Length of time this problem has existed Rationale: First, the nurse should establish when the client last defecated because the client may have perceived constipation. Although lack of bulk in the diet can lead to constipation, particularly in client with limited activity or an inadequate fluid intake, the lack of bulk in the diet is not the most significant information to obtain at this time. Extent of discomfort when attempting to defecate is helpful to determine, but is not an essential initial assessment.

The nurse is caring for an older adult client who has constipation. Which independent nursing intervention best helps reestablish a normal bowel pattern?

Offer a cup of prune juice. Rationale: Prune juice does not require a primary health care provider's prescription and helps promote bowel movement because it contains sorbitol that increases water retention in feces. Administration of a mineral enamel requires a prescription from a primary health care provider. Encouraging the client's fluid intake by offering 1 cup of fluid every hour is helpful in preventing constipation but not as effective in resolving constipation as prune juice. Removing impactions does not establish regular bowel patterns.