A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with a paralytic ileus. What would be an expected assessment finding?

D. In paralytic ileus, there is a lack of bowel motility, resulting in absent or diminished bowel sounds on auscultation and absent passage of flatus. The bowel sounds may be hypoactive or completely absent due to the lack of peristalsis. Additionally, the client may experience abdominal distention and discomfort due to the accumulation of gas and fluid in the intestines.
A. Pencil-thin stools are more commonly associated with conditions such as colorectal cancer or rectal strictures. In paralytic ileus, where there is a lack of bowel motility, the stools are typically absent rather than thin.
B. Fecal-smelling breath is not a typical finding in paralytic ileus. While it may occur in conditions associated with severe constipation or bowel obstruction, it is not specific to paralytic ileus.
C. Passage of mucus and blood in stools is not a characteristic finding of paralytic ileus. It is more commonly associated with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer.

D. The initial clinical manifestation associated with an obstruction in the duodenum is crampy abdominal pain, wavelike, and colicky. This discomfort occurs due to the blockage of the small intestine, leading to spasms and pain as the body tries to move contents past the obstruction.
A. Severe abdominal distention and cramping can occur with various gastrointestinal conditions, including an obstruction in the duodenum. However, this manifestation is not specific to duodenal obstruction and can occur with obstructions at other locations in the gastrointestinal tract.
B. Vomiting of fecal material, known as feculent vomiting, is a hallmark sign of a complete obstruction in the lower gastrointestinal tract.
C. Ribbon-like stools are more commonly associated with conditions affecting the lower gastrointestinal tract, such as colorectal cancer or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).