A client presents with a possible bowel obstruction, and the nurse completes a detailed abdominal assessment. Which of the following clinical manifestations are consistent with a large bowel obstruction? (Select all that apply).
Profuse vomiting with fecal odor
Epigastric abdominal distention
Intermittent abdominal cramping
Ribbon-like stools or diarrhea
Metabolic acidosis
Severe fluid and electrolyte imbalance
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,E,F
Choice A reason:Profuse vomiting with a fecal odor can occur in large bowel obstructions due to the backward flow of bowel contents.
Choice B reason:Epigastric abdominal distention is a common finding in bowel obstructions due to the accumulation of gas and fluids.
Choice C reason:Intermittent abdominal cramping results from the bowel's attempt to push contents through the obstructed area.
Choice D reason:Ribbon-like stools or diarrhea may occur if there is a partial obstruction allowing some contents to pass.
Choice E reason:Metabolic acidosis can develop due to the accumulation of lactic acid from tissue hypoxia and decreased perfusion.
Choice F reason:Severe fluid and electrolyte imbalance can result from vomiting and the inability to absorb fluids and nutrients properly.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:Placing a cool cloth on the forehead may provide comfort but does not address intracranial pressure, which could be causing the headache[^10^].
Choice B reason:Elevating the head of the bed 30 degrees helps to decrease intracranial pressure and can alleviate headache symptoms associated with a closed head injury[^10^].
Choice C reason:Administering morphine for pain relief should be done with caution, as it can depress respiration and mask changes in the level of consciousness, which are important indicators of neurological status[^10^].
Choice D reason:A lumbar puncture is contraindicated in the presence of increased intracranial pressure due to the risk of brain herniation[^10^].
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason:Testing the drainage for the halo sign is the first action the nurse should take, as clear drainage from the nose following a basal skull fracture could indicate a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, which contains glucose.
Choice B reason:Asking the client to blow his nose could potentially increase the risk of infection or worsen a CSF leak and is not recommended as a first action.
Choice C reason:While notifying the physician is important, it should be done after confirming whether the drainage is CSF, which would require immediate medical intervention.
Choice D reason:Suctioning the nostril is not the first action to take, as it could potentially disrupt the site of the leak and is not diagnostic of a CSF leak.
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