An older adult who recently had surgery complains of pain at the level of 3 out of 10 and constipation during the postoperative primary care visit.Which intervention should the nurse implement to first facilitate elimination?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The nurse begins by reviewing the medication list to find substances that are likely to cause constipation such as opioid analgesics and antidepressants,among others.If the patient is taking an opioid analgesic and because the patient rates the pain as 3 out of 10,then a change in pain medication can help relieve constipation.The use of a laxative can be contraindicated and is the therapy of last resort for constipation caused by factors other than opioid analgesics.Promoting fiber in the diet is a reasonable intervention but can be made unnecessary by omitting the opioid analgesic.Increasing fluid intake is a reasonable nursing intervention for older adults with and without constipation,but it can be unnecessary for this older adult.

An Older Adult Who Recently Had Surgery Complains of Pain