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 D
Explanation
A) Double-bag the client's trash before removing it from the room: While double-bagging is a precaution used in certain infections to prevent contamination, it is not necessary for influenza. Influenza spreads via respiratory droplets rather than contact with contaminated objects. Standard waste disposal methods are typically sufficient to manage the risk of contamination from trash.
B) Place the client in a negative air pressure room with 6 to 12 air exchanges per hour: Negative air pressure rooms are designed to contain airborne pathogens by preventing contaminated air from escaping the room. Diseases such as tuberculosis or measles require this level of isolation. However, influenza spreads through droplets that settle quickly rather than remaining airborne, making negative air pressure rooms unnecessary for influenza isolation.
C) Ensure all air in the client's room is filtered through a HEPA filter: HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filters are used to trap airborne particles. For influenza, which is spread by larger respiratory droplets, such filtration is not needed. The droplets are too large to remain suspended in the air and are typically spread through close contact, rather than requiring air filtration.
D) Wear a surgical mask when within 1 m (3 ft) of the client: This is the most appropriate precaution. Influenza is primarily spread through respiratory droplets that can travel about 1 meter (3 feet) when a person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Wearing a surgical mask within this distance helps prevent inhaling these droplets, thus reducing the risk of transmission. This aligns with droplet precautions which are standard for managing influenza.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) "What are you looking forward to each day?": While asking about daily expectations can provide insight into the client's coping mechanisms and hopefulness, it does not immediately address potential safety concerns. It is a helpful question for assessing the client's adjustment but not the priority if there is a concern about suicidal ideation.
B) "Can you tell me about your sleep patterns?": Sleep patterns are important for understanding overall well-being, especially during grief. However, this question is secondary to addressing the immediate risk of self-harm. Assessing sleep can come after determining if the client is having suicidal thoughts.
C) "Have you ever felt like you don't want to live anymore?": This question is crucial because it directly assesses the client's risk of suicidal ideation or self-harm. Given the client's recent loss and current symptoms, it is important to evaluate if there is a risk to their safety, making this the priority question.
D) "Are you taking any medications at this time?": While it is important to know about the client's medication use, this question does not address the immediate risk of self-harm or assess the psychological impact of the recent loss. Medication information is less urgent compared to evaluating suicidal thoughts.
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