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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

a. Heart rate 90/min: A heart rate of 90/min is within the normal range, and it is not an abnormal finding postoperatively.

b. Serum potassium 3.7 g/dL: The serum potassium level of 3.7 g/dL is within the normal range, and it is not an abnormal finding postoperatively.

c. Bowel sounds 10/min: Bowel sounds of 10/min are within the normal range and indicate return of bowel function postoperatively.

d. Urine output 48 m/2 hr: A urine output of 48 m/2 hr is less than the expected urine output (30 mL/hr), and it may indicate inadequate renal perfusion or function. This finding should be

reported to the provider.

A. Potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L B. Heart rate of 66/min C. BP of 132/82 mm Hg D. Digoxin level of 1.2 ng/ml

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

a. Potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L: Hypokalemia is a potential adverse effect of digoxin, and a

potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is below the normal range. Low potassium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.

b. Heart rate of 66/min: A heart rate of 66/min is within the normal range. Digoxin is used to

treat conditions like atrial fibrillation, and the heart rate should be within an appropriate range for the client's condition.

c. BP of 132/82 mm Hg: Blood pressure within the normal range does not require immediate reporting in the context of digoxin administration.

d. Digoxin level of 1.2 ng/ml: The digoxin level of 1.2 ng/ml is within the therapeutic range, and it does not require immediate reporting.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

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