Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 75%
Simulated
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a prescription for a bowel-training program following a spinal cord injury. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
Correct answer
A
Rationale
The correct answer is A: Administer a cathartic suppository 30 min prior to scheduled defecation times. This helps stimulate bowel movements and establish a routine for defecation. Cathartic suppositories soften stool and promote easier evacuation, aiding in bowel training. Encouraging a maximum fluid intake of 1,500 mL per day (B) is beneficial for bowel health, but it is not specific to bowel training in a client with a spinal cord injury. Increasing refined grains in the diet (C) may lead to constipation as they lack fiber. Providing a cold drink prior to defecation (D) does not have a direct impact on bowel training and may not be effective in aiding bowel movements.