Case Study Constipation and Melissa Drake is a 22-year-old college student who suffered a fractured femur, pelvis, and tibia in a motor vehicle accident. She recently has been discharged after recovering from her injuries and is taking opioid analgesics several times daily for pain. On a routine follow-up visit to the medical clinic, she tells the nurse that she has been constipated; her last bowel movement was 1 week ago and was small, hard, and difficult to pass. She is instructed on risk factors for constipation and advised on lifestyle modifications that may ease the constipation and to take psyllium (Metamucil) daily. Melissa states “I have never been constipated in the past. Why is this happening now?” How should the nurse respond? Discuss the lifestyle modifications that the nurse should include when providing patient education to Melissa. Melissa states “Wait a minute. Isn’t Metamucil for older people?” How should the nurse respond?
[Expert Solution]: Case Study Constipation and Melissa Drake…
Need help with your Pain Management & Analgesics case study or NCLEX preparation? Connect with a verified Nursing expert now.
