The nurse is assisting in the care of a preoperative patient who states, "I'm really afraid that I won't make it through the surgery." Which action by the nurse is appropriate?

Choice A reason: This question assesses abstract thinking and judgment by asking the client to consider a hypothetical situation and propose a solution.

Choice B reason: Asking about the city of birth is a fact-based question and does not assess abstract thinking or judgment.

Choice C reason: Inquiring about breakfast is a recall question and does not evaluate abstract thinking or judgment.

Choice D reason: Asking who the president is tests knowledge of current events, not abstract thinking or judgment.

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.