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?
Incisional infection
Paralytic ileus
Health care-associated Clostridium difficile
Fecal impaction
The Correct Answer is B
b. Paralytic ileus: Absence of bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and no passage of flatus are characteristic signs of paralytic ileus, which is a temporary impairment of bowel motility following surgery.
c. Health care-associated Clostridium difficile: Clostridium difficile infection is associated with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. The absence of bowel sounds and abdominal distention is not consistent with C. difficile infection.
d. Fecal impaction: Fecal impaction is characterized by a blockage of hardened stool in the
rectum or colon, leading to difficulty passing stool. It may cause abdominal discomfort, but it does not typically present with the absence of bowel sounds and abdominal distention seen in paralytic ileus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a. Serum chloride 99 mEq/L: Serum chloride within the reference range is not an adverse effect of spironolactone.
b. Serum calcium 10.5 mg/dL: Serum calcium within the reference range is not an adverse effect of spironolactone.
c. Serum potassium 5.2: Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, and an elevated serum potassium level is an adverse effect that requires monitoring. The nurse should assess for
hyperkalemia.
d. Serum sodium 140 mEq/L: Serum sodium within the reference range is not an adverse effect of spironolactone.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a. Battle's sign: Battle's sign is bruising over the mastoid process and is not a direct manifestation of increased intracranial pressure.
b. Nuchal rigidity: Nuchal rigidity (stiff neck) is associated with irritation of the meninges and is not a specific sign of increased intracranial pressure.
c. Lethargy: Lethargy or altered level of consciousness is a common manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. It can range from mild drowsiness to severe impairment of consciousness.
d. Polyuria: Polyuria is not a typical manifestation of increased intracranial pressure. Increased urine output may be associated with other conditions, such as diabetes or diuretic use.
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