A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a bowel surgery and has an NG tube connected to low intermittent suction. Which of the following assessment findings should indicate to the nurse that the NG tube might not be functioning properly?

A. Diminished bowel sounds are not typically indicative of fluid overload. They may suggest decreased gastrointestinal motility, but this finding alone does not specifically indicate fluid overload.

B. Bradycardia is not typically associated with fluid overload. Instead, tachycardia may occur as the body attempts to compensate for decreased cardiac output.

C. Hypotension may occur with fluid overload in severe cases, but it is not a consistent or specific finding. Other signs, such as bounding pulses, are more indicative of fluid overload.

D. Bounding pulses, or strong and forceful arterial pulses, can be a sign of fluid overload due to increased blood volume. This finding may be observed in clients receiving excessive enteral feedings or intravenous fluids.

- A: An INR of 1.1 is within the normal range, indicating normal blood clotting ability, which is essential for wound healing. A normal INR does not pose a risk for delayed wound healing.
- B: Hyperemesis can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, both of which are detrimental to wound healing. Dehydration reduces blood volume and flow, impairing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the wound site, while malnutrition can weaken the immune response and the formation of new tissue.
- C: An HbA1C level of 5.6% is at the high end of the normal range and does not typically indicate diabetes or impaired glucose control, which are risk factors for delayed wound healing.
- D: While uncontrolled pain can be a concern for patient comfort and may indirectly affect wound healing by reducing mobility, it is not a direct risk factor for delayed wound healing like hyperemesis is.