Question

A nurse is caring for a client who is 12 hours postpartum and has a third degree perineal laceration. The client reports not having a bowel movement for four days which of the following medications should the nurse administer?

A. Bisacodyl 10 milligramsrectal Suppository
B. magnesium hydroxide 30ML PO
C. Famotidine 20 milligrams PO
D. loperamide 4 milligrams PO

Answer 1

The appropriate medication to administer to a client who is postpartum with a third-degree perineal laceration and constipation is Bisacodyl 10 milligrams rectal Suppository, which is a stimulant laxative that aids in bowel movements.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should administer Bisacodyl 10 milligrams rectal Suppository to a client who is 12 hours postpartum with a third-degree perineal laceration and has not had a bowel movement for four days. Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that works directly on the colon to stimulate bowel movements and is often used in the management of constipation postpartum. Given the perineal laceration, it's important to avoid straining during defecation, and a suppository can provide a gentler option than an oral laxative.

Magnesium hydroxide is also a laxative, but it might be too harsh initially postpartum, especially with a perineal laceration. Famotidine is a medication used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines, as well as other conditions causing excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. It is not a laxative. Loperamide is indicated for diarrhea, and it would not be appropriate in this situation as the patient is already constipated.