A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following orthopedic surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of paralytic ileus?
Abdominal distention
Watery stool
Dizziness
Oliguria
The Correct Answer is A
A. Abdominal distention: Abdominal distention is a classic sign of paralytic ileus, which is a temporary cessation of intestinal peristalsis. When peristalsis is impaired, gas and fluid accumulate in the intestines, leading to abdominal distention.
B. Watery stool: Watery stool is not typically associated with paralytic ileus. In paralytic ileus, bowel movements are usually absent or significantly reduced due to decreased or absent peristalsis, resulting in constipation rather than watery stool.
C. Dizziness: Dizziness is not a typical sign of paralytic ileus. While the underlying cause of paralytic ileus may lead to electrolyte imbalances, which can manifest as dizziness, it is not a direct symptom of paralytic ileus itself.
D. Oliguria: Oliguria, or decreased urine output, is not directly related to paralytic ileus. Paralytic ileus affects the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal distention and constipation, but it does not directly affect urinary output.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. A client who has a right peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC):
When a client has a right-sided PICC, it's essential to measure blood pressure in the left arm. This is because the PICC line can interfere with accurate blood pressure readings on the right side due to the placement of the cuff and potential obstruction of blood flow. Measuring blood pressure in the left arm provides a more accurate assessment of systemic blood pressure.
B. A client who had a right hemisphere stroke:
While clients with a right hemisphere stroke may have various neurological deficits, there is no specific indication to measure blood pressure in the left arm based solely on this condition.
C. A client who had blood drawn from the right antecubital area 1 hr ago:
Blood drawn from the antecubital area typically does not affect blood pressure measurements in the same arm. Therefore, there is no need to measure blood pressure in the opposite arm in this situation.
D. A client who had dialysis and is using an arteriovenous shunt in the left lower forearm:
While clients with arteriovenous shunts may have altered blood flow dynamics, the use of a shunt in the left lower forearm does not necessarily require blood pressure measurements to be taken in the opposite arm. Blood pressure measurement should be performed on the side without the shunt unless contraindicated for other reasons.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Placental abruption: Placental abruption is characterized by the premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery of the fetus. Sudden, severe abdominal pain, moderate to severe vaginal bleeding, persistent uterine contractions, and uterine rigidity are classic signs and symptoms of placental abruption. Hypotension may occur due to hemorrhage, leading to decreased perfusion to vital organs.
B. Uterine rupture: Uterine rupture involves a tear in the uterine wall, which can lead to severe abdominal pain, vaginal bleeding, and signs of shock. However, uterine rupture typically occurs during labor or delivery, particularly in women with a history of uterine surgery or trauma.
C. Placenta previa: Placenta previa is characterized by the implantation of the placenta over or near the internal cervical os. It can cause painless vaginal bleeding in the third trimester, particularly after 20 weeks of gestation. However, it is not typically associated with severe abdominal pain or uterine rigidity.
D. Amniotic fluid embolus: An amniotic fluid embolus occurs when amniotic fluid, fetal cells, hair, or other debris enter the maternal circulation, leading to a potentially life-threatening reaction. Symptoms may include sudden dyspnea, hypotension, cardiovascular collapse, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). While it can cause severe complications, the symptoms described in the scenario are more consistent with placental abruption.
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