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 ["A","B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Hallucinations: The client appears to be responding to unseen stimuli, indicating auditory hallucinations. This psychotic feature requires immediate follow-up due to risks of harm to self or others.
B. Hygiene: Although the client is unclean, poor hygiene is a common and non-urgent symptom during manic episodes. It does not require immediate intervention compared to issues with psychosis, dehydration, or cardiovascular stability.
C. Heart rate: The client’s heart rate is 120/min, which is tachycardia (normal range: 60–100/min). This may reflect dehydration, overstimulation, or a manic state and requires urgent assessment.
D. Skin turgor: Poor skin turgor suggests dehydration, possibly from inadequate intake during mania. Dehydration can worsen cognitive status and vital signs and must be addressed quickly.
E. Sleep pattern: The client has not slept in 2 days, which is dangerous in manic states. Severe sleep deprivation increases the risk for psychosis, agitation, and physical exhaustion, requiring prompt intervention.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E","F","G"]
Explanation
Rationale for Correct Choices:
- DTR 2+ bilaterally: The deep tendon reflexes improved from 1+ earlier (indicating possible magnesium toxicity) to 2+, which falls within the normal range of 1+ to 3+. This suggests better neuromuscular function and reduced magnesium side effects.
- Urine output 40 mL/hr: Increased from a low 20 mL/hr at 1400 to 40 mL/hr at 1800, above the normal minimum urine output (>30 mL/hr). This reflects improved renal perfusion and fluid balance, crucial for preventing complications in preeclampsia.
- Oxygen saturation 95% on 2 L nasal cannula: Oxygen saturation stabilized at 95%, which is the lower limit of normal (95–100%). Previously it was 92% on room air, indicating improved oxygenation with supplemental oxygen support.
- Respiratory rate 18/min: Improved from shallow respirations at 14/min to 18/min, which falls within the normal adult range (12–20/min). This indicates better respiratory effort and gas exchange.
- Blood pressure 146/96 mm Hg: Decreased from a hypertensive crisis level of 170/112 mm Hg at 1400 to 146/96 mm Hg, showing effective blood pressure management though still above the ideal (<120/80 mm Hg). This reduction lowers the risk of severe complications.
Rationale for Incorrect Choices:
- Temperature 38.3° C (101° F): Elevated above the normal range (36.5–37.5° C), this fever suggests possible infection or inflammatory response and does not represent clinical improvement. It requires further evaluation and treatment.
- Heart rate 58/min: Decreased from 80/min to 58/min, falling below the normal range of 60–100/min. This bradycardia may be a sign of magnesium toxicity or cardiovascular suppression and requires close monitoring.
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.
