he nurse is caring for a client on the third day following abdominal surgery and assesses the absence of bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and the client passing no flatus. These findings indicate the client is experiencing which of the following postoperative complications?
Paralytic ileus
Incisional infection
Fecal impaction
Health care-associated Clostridium difficile
The Correct Answer is A
A. Paralytic ileus: Paralytic ileus occurs when intestinal motility is temporarily lost after surgery. Clinical findings include absent bowel sounds, distention, and no flatus or stool, requiring monitoring and supportive care.
B. Incisional infection: Infection would present with erythema, warmth, purulent drainage, or fever rather than absent bowel sounds or lack of flatus.
C. Fecal impaction: Fecal impaction usually occurs in the lower bowel, often causing hard stools and discomfort. It is unlikely on postoperative day 3 with absent bowel sounds throughout the abdomen.
D. Health care–associated Clostridium difficile: C. difficile infection typically causes diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and fever, not absence of bowel sounds or flatus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Diarrhea:Lactulose draws water into the bowel and increases stool frequency; diarrhea is a common intended/adverse effect and can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.
B. Peripheral edema:Peripheral edema is related to fluid overload/albumin shifts in cirrhosis, not a typical adverse effect of lactulose.
C. Dry mouth:Dry mouth is not a common adverse effect of lactulose; GI effects (bloating, flatulence, diarrhea) are more likely.
D. Headache:Headache is not a characteristic adverse effect of lactulose therapy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Drinking orange juice regularly:Citrus juices are acidic and can relax the lower esophageal sphincter and directly irritate the esophagus, worsening reflux and heartburn.
B. Sleeping on a large wedge-style pillow:Sleeping upright or with head elevated reduces nighttime reflux by using gravity to keep gastric contents in the stomach - this is helpful, not a contributor.
C. Consuming low-fat meats:Low-fat meats decrease gastric emptying delay related to fatty meals and reduce reflux risk; they are generally not a contributing factor.
D. Eating dinner early in the evening:Eating earlier (allowing 2–3 hours before lying down) reduces reflux at night; this is protective rather than contributory.
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