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 "{\"xRanges\":[232.4270782470703,272.4270782470703],\"yRanges\":[382.1666450500488,422.1666450500488]}"
Explanation
To determine if the child is experiencing subcostal retractions, check the area beneath the ribcage.
D - Subcostal Area:
Subcostal retractions occur below the ribs and are a sign of respiratory distress, indicating increased effort to breathe.
Observing this area can reveal inward movement during inspiration, suggesting difficulty in breathing, often seen in asthma exacerbations.
Rationale
A - Incorrect:
This area is near the clavicle and not related to subcostal retractions.
B - Incorrect:
This is the intercostal area, which can also show retractions but is not subcostal.
C - Incorrect:
This area is too central and does not correspond with subcostal retractions.
Focusing on D allows the nurse to assess the presence of subcostal retractions effectively.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Place the client in a supine position for the first 12 hr postoperative: Following surgery for a ruptured appendix, placing the child in a supine position for the first 12 hours can be inappropriate. It may be more beneficial to position the child in a semi-Fowler's position to promote drainage of any remaining infection and reduce the risk of respiratory complications.
B) Pack the open wound with a dry gauze dressing: For a postoperative wound following a ruptured appendix, using a dry gauze dressing might not be the best practice. A moist dressing can promote better healing and reduce the risk of infection. Wet-to-dry or other appropriate dressings are typically recommended based on the surgeon's instructions.
C) Administer naproxen orally for pain 30 min prior to ambulation: While managing pain is important, naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is typically not the first choice for postoperative pain management in children. Additionally, oral medication might not be recommended immediately post-surgery, especially if the child has an NG tube or other contraindications for oral intake.
D) Maintain an NG tube on low intermittent suction until bowel sounds return: This is a standard postoperative practice for children who have had surgery for a ruptured appendix. The NG tube helps to decompress the stomach, preventing vomiting and aspiration, and helps manage bowel function until normal activity resumes, which is crucial for postoperative recovery.
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