The nurse is caring for a patient who has suffered a spinal cord injury and is concerned about the patient's elimination status. What is the nurse's best action?
A) Speak with the patient's family about food choices.
B) Establish a bowel and bladder program for the patient.
C) Speak with the patient about past elimination habits.
D) Establish a bedtime ritual for the patient.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Establishing a bowel and bladder program for the patient is a priority to be sure that adequate elimination is happening for the patient with a spinal cord injury. Speaking with the family to determine food choices is not the primary concern. Speaking with the patient to know past elimination habits does not apply, because the spinal cord injury changes elimination habits. Establishing a bedtime ritual does not apply to elimination.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Who Has Suffered