[Verified Answer]: An older female patient needs diagnostic…

An older female patient needs diagnostic testing that requires nothing by mouth (NPO) for 12 hours prior to the test and a bowel preparation. The test has been cancelled twice; once for retained stool and once for equipment problems. Which intervention is the priority? Explain the cancellations to the patient using terms that she can easily understand. Call the diagnostic technician to ensure that the test gets done. Assess the patient for dehydration and fluid and electrolyte imbalances. Call the HCP and ask if the test can be postponed for a few days.