A nurse is assessing a client who has a mechanical bowel obstruction caused by intussusception of the ileum. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
High-pitched bowel sounds
Abdominal bruit
Bruising on the flank area
Coffee-ground emesis
The Correct Answer is A
A) High-pitched bowel sounds: High-pitched bowel sounds, also known as "tinkling" sounds, are characteristic of mechanical bowel obstructions. These sounds are created by the intestines as they try to move contents past the obstruction, resulting in increased peristaltic activity. In the case of intussusception, where one segment of the intestine telescopes into another, the obstruction can cause these distinctive high-pitched sounds due to the narrowing of the bowel lumen.
B) Abdominal bruit: An abdominal bruit is a swishing sound heard over the abdomen, usually indicating turbulent blood flow through narrowed arteries. It is commonly associated with vascular conditions such as atherosclerosis or renal artery stenosis. It is not related to bowel obstruction, as bowel sounds in obstruction cases are generally due to changes in peristaltic activity rather than blood flow.
C) Bruising on the flank area: Bruising on the flank area, known as Grey Turner's sign, is typically seen in conditions involving retroperitoneal hemorrhage, such as severe pancreatitis or trauma. It is not a symptom of bowel obstruction. Bowel obstruction symptoms generally relate to the gastrointestinal tract and include abdominal pain, distension, and altered bowel sounds.
D) Coffee-ground emesis: Coffee-ground emesis is vomit that appears like coffee grounds, indicating the presence of partially digested blood. This is a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, often due to peptic ulcers or gastritis. In mechanical bowel obstruction, vomiting is more likely to contain bile (bilious vomiting) and may occur if the obstruction is high in the small intestine. The appearance of coffee-ground emesis is not typical for bowel obstructions and indicates a different type of gastrointestinal issue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Administer a dose of subcutaneous epinephrine.: The swelling of the lips and tongue is indicative of angioedema, a serious adverse reaction to captopril. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions or angioedema to quickly counteract the swelling and prevent airway obstruction.
B. Advise the client not to consume grapefruit products.: Grapefruit can interact with some medications, but it is not related to the management of angioedema. This action would be more relevant for drugs metabolized by CYP3A4, not specifically for angioedema.
C. Place warm compresses on both sides of the client's face.: Warm compresses are not appropriate for angioedema and may not address the underlying issue. This action does not manage the immediate, potentially life-threatening reaction caused by captopril.
D. Swab the client's oral mucosa with nystatin suspension.: Nystatin is used for fungal infections of the oral mucosa, not for angioedema. This action does not address the adverse reaction related to captopril.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Weight gain: Weight gain is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure due to fluid retention and peripheral edema. While left-sided heart failure can lead to overall heart failure, causing weight gain, it is not as specific as breathlessness for left-sided failure.
B) Warm extremities after walking: Warm extremities are generally a sign of good circulation. In clients with left-sided heart failure, reduced cardiac output often leads to poor peripheral circulation, which would more likely cause cool extremities.
C) Breathlessness when carrying an object: Left-sided heart failure leads to decreased cardiac output and pulmonary congestion. As a result, clients often experience breathlessness or dyspnea, especially during physical activities, because the heart cannot efficiently pump blood, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs.
D) Increased urinary output during the day: Left-sided heart failure usually causes decreased renal perfusion, leading to reduced urinary output during the day. Clients might experience nocturia (increased nighttime urination) due to fluid reabsorption when lying down, but increased daytime output is not typical.
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