A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a newly licensed nurse about bowel sounds. Which of the following characteristics should the nurse use to describe hyperactive bowel sounds?
Sounds are high-pitched
Can be a result of a paralytic ileus
Indicates decreased motility
Sounds are soft and at a rate of 1/min
The Correct Answer is A
Hyperactive bowel sounds are bowel sounds that are louder and more frequent than normal. They may be heard as high-pitched rushing or tinkling sounds that occur irregularly at a rate greater than 5-6 sounds per minute. They are often associated with increased intestinal motility, such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, or early bowel obstruction.
Option b is incorrect because hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with a paralytic ileus, which is a condition where the bowel stops working and there is a lack of bowel sounds.
Option c is incorrect because hyperactive bowel sounds indicate increased motility, not decreased motility.
Option d is incorrect because soft bowel sounds at a rate of 1/min are considered hypoactive bowel sounds, which can be a sign of decreased intestinal motility, as seen in constipation or postoperative ileus.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Sponge baths are recommended until the umbilical cord stump falls off, which typically occurs within the first two weeks of life. After that, the baby can be immersed in water for a regular bath. Using talcum powder is not recommended as it can be harmful to the baby's respiratory system if inhaled. Mild, pH-balanced soap should be used instead of alkaline soap to avoid irritating the baby's delicate skin. The bathwater temperature should be around 98 degrees Fahrenheit and not hoter than 100 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent burns.

Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A.Pinpoint pupils are more commonly associated with opioid intoxication or damage to the pons rather than increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Increased ICP typically causes pupils to become dilated and sluggish or nonreactive to light
B.Irritability can be an early sign of increased intracranial pressure. As pressure within the skull rises, it can affect the brain's ability to function normally, leading to changes in behavior such as restlessness, agitation, or irritability.
C.Pallor is not directly associated with increased intracranial pressure. It might indicate other issues such as anemia or poor circulation, but it is not a specific sign of increased ICP.
D. Increased intracranial pressure typically leads to hypertension (increased blood pressure) as part of the Cushing's triad, which includes hypertension, bradycardia, and irregular respirations. Decreased blood pressure would not be a typical finding associated with increased ICP.
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