A patient is scheduled for surgery at 1:00 PM today. The nurse knows that surgery will most likely need to be rescheduled when the patient states...

Bowel sounds are the result of muscular contractions in the intestines, indicating the movement of food, fluids, and gas through the gastrointestinal tract. After surgery, the normal function of the intestines, including peristalsis, may be temporarily impaired. As the intestines recover and regain their normal motility, bowel sounds will become audible.

The return of bowel sounds is an encouraging sign that the gastrointestinal system is starting to function again. It indicates that peristaltic activity has resumed and that the intestines are moving and processing the contents within. This is an essential step in the postoperative recovery process, as it indicates the return of normal gastrointestinal function and can lead to the resumption of oral intake and passage of stool.

While the other options may also be associated with the return of GI function, such as feeling hungry or passing flatus or stool, the presence of bowel sounds is a more reliable and direct assessment finding that indicates the resumption of peristaltic activity.

IBD, which includes conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The symptoms can vary depending on the type and severity of the disease, but common symptoms in children with IBD include:

1. Children with IBD often experience increased frequency of bowel movements, which may be loose or watery. This is often accompanied by urgency and a sense of incomplete evacuation.
2. Chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract can interfere with nutrient absorption, leading to poor appetite, decreased intake, and subsequent weight loss. In severe cases, malnutrition may occur.
3. Inflammatory processes in the intestines can lead to increased motility and peristalsis, resulting in hyperactive bowel sounds.