The 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?
Fecal impaction
Incisional infection
Health care-associated Clostridium difficile
Paralytic ileus
The Correct Answer is D
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.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: An illusion is a misinterpretation of a real external stimulus, which is not the case here as there is no snake.
Choice B reason: Attention-getting behavior is a possibility, but given that Mr. G is specifically referencing a snake that isn't there, it suggests a hallucination.
Choice C reason: A hallucination is a sensory perception in the absence of external stimuli, which fits Mr. G's description of seeing a snake that isn't there.
Choice D reason: A delusion is a firmly held false belief; while Mr. G may have this, the immediate experience he's describing is a hallucination, not a delusion.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Opioid analgesics do not typically increase coughing; they may actually suppress cough reflexes.
Choice B reason: Opioid analgesics are known to have a calming effect, which can help reduce anxiety in postoperative patients.
Choice C reason: Opioids can lead to decreased blood pressure, not an increase.
Choice D reason: Opioids typically decrease the respiratory rate, which is a potential side effect that needs to be monitored.
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