A nurse is assessing a patient following the removal of the patient’s endotracheal tube. Which finding should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A rationale:

Paralytic ileus is a common postoperative complication that occurs when the normal movement of the intestines (peristalsis) is slowed or stopped. This can lead to a buildup of gas and fluids in the intestines, causing abdominal distention, nausea, vomiting, and constipation. The absence of bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and the inability to pass flatus are all classic signs of paralytic ileus.

Here are some of the factors that can contribute to paralytic ileus: Manipulation of the intestines during surgery

Anesthesia

Pain medications, especially opioids Electrolyte imbalances

Dehydration

Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease Treatment for paralytic ileus typically involves:

Resting the bowel by not eating or drinking anything by mouth

Using a nasogastric (NG) tube to suction out gas and fluids from the stomach Providing intravenous (IV) fluids and electrolytes

Encouraging early ambulation

Using medications to stimulate bowel movement, such as metoclopramide or erythromycin

Choice B rationale:

Incisional infection is an infection of the surgical wound. It would typically present with redness, warmth, swelling, and pain at the incision site. The patient may also have a fever. While incisional infections can occur after abdominal surgery, they are not typically associated with the absence of bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and the inability to pass flatus.

Choice C rationale:

Fecal impaction is a severe form of constipation in which a large, hard mass of stool becomes trapped in the rectum. It can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and difficulty passing stool. However, it is not typically associated with the absence of bowel sounds or abdominal distention.

Choice D rationale:

Health care-associated Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and cramping. It is often associated with antibiotic use. While C. difficile can occur after abdominal surgery, it is not typically associated with the absence of bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and the inability to pass flatus.

Choice B rationale:

Stridor is a high-pitched, wheezing sound that is heard during inspiration. It is caused by a narrowing or obstruction of the upper airway. This can be a serious complication after extubation, as it can indicate that the patient is not able to breathe adequately. Stridor can be caused by a number of factors, including:

Laryngeal edema: This is swelling of the larynx, which can be caused by irritation from the endotracheal tube.

Laryngospasm: This is a sudden constriction of the muscles of the larynx, which can be caused by irritation or by a foreign body in the airway.

Vocal cord paralysis: This is a loss of movement of the vocal cords, which can be caused by damage to the nerves that control them.

Blood or secretions in the airway: These can obstruct the airway and cause stridor.

It is important for the nurse to report stridor to the provider immediately so that the cause can be identified and treated. Treatment may include:

Oxygen therapy: This can help to improve the patient's breathing.

Medications: These may be used to reduce inflammation or to relax the muscles of the airway. Reintubation: This may be necessary if the patient is not able to breathe adequately on their own.