Mr. S states, "Look at the snakes on the ceiling!" You see some cracks in the plaster. Mr. S is experiencing a/an:

Choice A reason: Fecal impaction typically presents with the inability to pass stool and may not be associated with the absence of bowel sounds.

Choice B reason: Incisional infection is usually indicated by localized redness, warmth, and possible discharge, not necessarily by the absence of bowel sounds or flatus.

Choice C reason: Health care-associated Clostridium difficile often presents with diarrhea, not the absence of bowel sounds or flatus.

Choice D reason: Paralytic ileus is characterized by impaired intestinal motility and transit, absence of the passage of flatus, diminished bowel sounds, abdominal distension, and intestinal dilatation, fitting the symptoms described.

Choice A reason: LPNs are involved in developing the patient's plan of care by gathering data and collaborating with the RN to ensure the plan is tailored to the patient's needs.

Choice B reason: Providing informed consent is typically the responsibility of the physician or advanced practice nurses, not the LPN.

Choice C reason: LPNs provide emotional support to patients, helping to alleviate anxiety and offering comfort before the surgery.

Choice D reason: LPNs assist with data collection, such as gathering vital signs and medical history, which is crucial for the preoperative assessment.

Choice E reason: Including families in preoperative care is part of the holistic approach to nursing, where LPNs can provide information and support to the patient's family.

Choice F reason: LPNs reinforce patient teaching by reviewing instructions and care plans with the patient and their family to ensure understanding and compliance.