A burse is assessing a client who is 3 days postoperative and has a nonmechanical obstruction of the small bowel. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Metabolic acidosis
Hyperactive bowel sounds
Distended abdomen
Passing flatus
The Correct Answer is C
A. Metabolic acidosis: Small bowel obstructions are more commonly associated with metabolic alkalosis due to loss of gastric contents from vomiting. Acidosis is less typical in the early stages of obstruction.
B. Hyperactive bowel sounds: In nonmechanical (paralytic ileus) obstruction, bowel sounds are usually absent or hypoactive, not hyperactive, due to lack of peristalsis. Hyperactive sounds are more typical in early mechanical obstruction.
C. Distended abdomen: Abdominal distention is a classic sign of bowel obstruction, resulting from gas and fluid accumulation above the site of obstruction. It is expected in both mechanical and nonmechanical types.
D. Passing flatus: The absence of flatus is common in bowel obstruction, as bowel movement is halted. Continued passage of flatus would suggest partial or resolving obstruction, not a typical finding in active nonmechanical obstruction.
 
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. “Remain on bed rest for 24 hours following the procedure.”: Prolonged bed rest increases the risk of venous stasis and deep vein thrombosis, so this instruction does not promote circulation and is not recommended.
B. “Place a pillow under your knees while in bed.”: Elevating the knees can impede venous return and increase the risk of blood clots, so this practice is discouraged for circulation promotion.
C. “Participate in range-of-motion exercises.”: Performing range-of-motion exercises helps stimulate blood flow, reduce venous stasis, and promote circulation, which is essential during the postoperative period to prevent complications.
D. “Use an incentive spirometer every 4 hours.”: Using an incentive spirometer improves lung expansion and oxygenation but does not directly promote circulation in the extremities.
Correct Answer is ["C","D"]
Explanation
Rationale for Correct Answers:
- LDL level: An LDL level of 145 mg/dL exceeds the recommended limit (<130 mg/dL), increasing the client’s risk for atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Elevated LDL contributes to plaque buildup in arterial walls, narrowing the vessels and raising the likelihood of myocardial infarction and stroke.
 - BMI: A BMI of 29.8 falls in the overweight range (25–29.9), nearing obesity. Excess body weight, particularly visceral fat, is associated with hypertension, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia, all of which are significant risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
 
Rationale for Incorrect Answers:
- Exercise: The client walks 30 minutes 5 days a week, meeting the American Heart Association’s guidelines for physical activity. Regular aerobic exercise reduces blood pressure, improves lipid profiles, and strengthens cardiac function.
 - Diet: The client reports following a Mediterranean diet, which is associated with lower cardiovascular risk due to its emphasis on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Although wine consumption is noted, moderation aligns with Mediterranean patterns.
 - HDL level: The client’s HDL is 58 mg/dL, which is above the desired threshold (>55 mg/dL). Higher HDL levels offer cardioprotective effects by helping remove cholesterol from the bloodstream and reducing the risk of plaque buildup.
 
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