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 {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"A"}
Explanation
Rationale for Correct Options:
- Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy that typically occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. This client has elevated blood pressure (156/96 mm Hg), proteinuria (25 mg/dL), hyperreflexia, headache, right upper quadrant pain, and facial edema—all hallmark signs of preeclampsia.
- Urinalysis shows elevated protein, which is a diagnostic criterion for preeclampsia. Proteinuria is a result of kidney involvement due to endothelial damage from hypertension indicating kidney involvement due to the systemic vascular changes in preeclampsia.
Rationale for Incorrect Options:
- Chorioamnionitis typically presents with maternal fever, uterine tenderness, foul-smelling amniotic fluid, and fetal tachycardia. This client is afebrile and has no signs of intrauterine infection.
- Preterm labor is indicated by cervical changes and regular uterine contractions, neither of which are present. The fetal monitor shows no contractions, and there are no reports of vaginal drainage or pressure.
- Serum WBC count is mildly elevated at 12,500/mm³, which can be normal in pregnancy and does not indicate infection or inflammation in this context.
- Fundal assessment: The fundal height of 29 cm at 30 weeks is within the normal range (+/- 2 cm), so it does not evidence a particular risk.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. “This can be caused by diabetes mellitus.”: Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus can contribute to urinary retention or increased risk of infections, but it is not a direct common cause of dysuria, which is typically related to obstruction or inflammation.
B. “This can be caused by the use of a diuretic medication.”: Diuretics increase urine output and may cause urinary frequency, but they are not a primary cause of dysuria, which involves painful urination.
C. “This can be caused by using antidepressants.”: Antidepressants may cause urinary retention or difficulty initiating urination, but dysuria is not a commonly associated side effect.
D. “This can be caused by enlargement of the prostate gland.”: Prostatic enlargement, such as in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can obstruct urine flow and lead to painful or difficult urination, making it a common cause of dysuria in men.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.