During an abdominal assessment, the nurse is unable to hear bowel sounds in a client's abdomen. How long should the nurse listen before reporting absent bowel sounds?
1 minute in the center of the abdomen.
10 minutes in each quadrant.
1 minute in each quadrant.
5 minutes in each quadrant.
None
None
The Correct Answer is D
A. One minute may not provide a sufficient duration to declare absent bowel sounds, especially if the client has a slower bowel motility.
B.
Listening for 10 minutes in each quadrant is excessive and not supported by clinical guidelines. It would unnecessarily delay care and increase patient discomfort.
C. One minute in each quadrant might not provide an adequate assessment time.
D. This is the correct answer because clinical guidelines recommend auscultating for at least 5 minutes in each quadrant before concluding that bowel sounds are absent. This ensures sufficient time to detect infrequent bowel sounds and accurately assess the situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A"]
Explanation
A. Abdominal distention can occur due to gas accumulation from undigested lactose.
B. Visible peristalsis is not typically a specific clinical finding associated with lactose intolerance.
C. Hypoactive bowel sounds are not commonly associated with lactose intolerance.
D. Occasional diarrhea is a common symptom due to the inability to digest lactose properly.
E. Flatus or excessive gas production is a common symptom due to the fermentation of undigested lactose by intestinal bacteria.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Reassurance is important, but it should be given after a thorough assessment and appropriate actions have been taken.
B. Completing an assessment and promptly informing the physician allows for timely intervention in case of testicular torsion or other serious conditions causing severe testicular pain.
C. Performing a focused assessment is crucial but shouldn't delay immediate notification of the physician in such a critical situation.
D. Documenting pain assessment is important but not the priority when a client presents with severe, acute pain in a sensitive area like the testicles.
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