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 D
Explanation
a. Position the client on the nonoperative side: The client should be positioned on the operative side to facilitate expansion of the remaining lung.
b. Monitor respiratory status every 8 hr: Postoperative respiratory status should be monitored more frequently than every 8 hours to assess for complications, especially in the initial
postoperative period.
c. Elevate the head of the bed to a 15° angle: The head of the bed should be elevated to a higher angle (usually 30-45 degrees) to promote optimal lung expansion and reduce the risk of
complications such as atelectasis.
d. Encourage the client to splint the incision when coughing: Encouraging the client to splint the incision when coughing helps minimize pain and supports effective coughing to prevent
complications such as atelectasis.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. Ineffective airway clearance: This is the priority as it addresses the immediate threat to the client's respiratory status. Accumulation of thick, copious secretions can lead to airway
obstruction and respiratory distress.
b. Malnourishment: While important, addressing malnourishment is not an immediate
postoperative priority. The client may receive nutrition through alternative means until normal swallowing function is restored.
c. High risk for infection: Infection is a concern, but ensuring airway clearance takes precedence in the immediate postoperative period.
d. Impaired verbal communication: Verbal communication is important, but it is not as immediate a concern as ensuring the airway is clear to prevent respiratory compromise.
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