A patient has been started on a stool softener for constipation. Which information should the nurse ...

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Rationale 1: There is no reason to take this medication until loose stools occur.
Rationale 2: If the patient has increased discomfort, additional assessment is indicated.
Rationale 3: This medication may take 2 or 3 days to work.
Rationale 4: Tomorrow is too soon to evaluate that therapy is unsuccessful.

Global Rationale: If the patient has increased discomfort, additional assessment is indicated. There is no reason to take this medication until loose stools occur. This medication may take 2 or 3 days to work. Tomorrow is too soon to evaluate that therapy is unsuccessful.