Question

a nurse is conducting a health history interview for a client at an assisted-living facility. the client says, \i have been so constipated lately.\ how should the nurse respond?

• \do you have a family history of chest problems?\
• \why dont you use a laxative every night?\
• \everyone who ages has bowel problems.\
• \do you take anything to help your constipation?\

Explanation:

Analyze the client's statement

The client states, "I have been so constipated lately." This is a subjective complaint regarding a change in bowel habits.

Apply nursing process principles

Using the Nursing Assessment knowledge point, the nurse's immediate priority when a client presents with a new or worsening symptom is to gather more information to fully assess the issue before planning or implementing interventions.

Evaluate the response options

• "Do you have a family history of chest problems?": This is irrelevant to the client's immediate complaint of constipation.
• "Why don't you use a laxative every night?": This is non-therapeutic, uses a "why" question which can sound judgmental, and suggests an intervention (laxative use) without first assessing the cause or current self-treatment.
• "Everyone who ages has bowel problems.": This is non-therapeutic, dismissive, and generalizes the client's concern as normal aging, which may delay necessary care.
• "Do you take anything to help your constipation?": This is an open-ended assessment question that directly explores the client's current management strategies, which is a key component of a health history interview.

Formulate therapeutic communication

Using the Therapeutic Communication knowledge point, asking what the client currently takes or does to manage the symptom is the most appropriate, non-judgmental, and assessment-focused response.

Answer:

• "Do you have a family history of chest problems?"
• "Why don't you use a laxative every night?"
• "Everyone who ages has bowel problems."
• "Do you take anything to help your constipation?" (Correct answer)