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: Double-bagging trash is typically recommended for patients with highly contagious and severe infectious diseases, such as those requiring contact precautions. Influenza, while contagious, does not necessitate this level of precaution.
B) Place the client in a negative air pressure room with 6 to 12 air exchanges per hour: Negative air pressure rooms are used for airborne diseases like tuberculosis or measles, which can spread through the air over long distances. Influenza primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, so this precaution is not necessary.
C) Ensure all air in the client's room is filtered through a HEPA filter: HEPA filters are used for airborne pathogens to filter out infectious particles. Since influenza spreads via respiratory droplets rather than airborne particles, this level of air filtration is not required.
D) Wear a surgical mask when within 1 m (3 ft) of the client: Influenza spreads through respiratory droplets, which can travel up to about 1 meter (3 feet) when a person coughs or sneezes. Wearing a surgical mask within this distance helps prevent inhalation of these droplets, making it the appropriate precaution for influenza.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) "Suggest the client avoid snacking during the day.": Snacking can help maintain caloric intake and prevent malnutrition. It is generally beneficial for clients with wasting syndrome to have frequent, small meals and snacks throughout the day to increase overall caloric and nutrient intake.
B) "Encourage the client to rest before eating meals.": Resting before meals can help conserve energy, making it easier for clients with wasting syndrome to eat larger portions and improve their nutritional intake. Fatigue can significantly reduce appetite and meal consumption, so conserving energy for eating is a practical strategy.
C) "Instruct the client to consume 1 L of fluid daily.": Proper hydration is important, but 1 liter may be insufficient for overall hydration needs. Clients with AIDS and wasting syndrome should be encouraged to maintain adequate fluid intake to support overall health and aid in digestion, which typically requires more than 1 liter per day.
D) "Tell the client to increase the saturated fat content of each meal.": Increasing saturated fat content is not advisable as it can lead to other health complications such as cardiovascular disease. Instead, a balanced diet with healthy fats, proteins, and carbohydrates is more appropriate to address malnutrition in clients with wasting syndrome.
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