The nurse is caring for a client who has a small bowel obstruction. When teaching the student nurse about this condition, the nurse will include which of the following findings that are consistent with the diagnosis? (Select all that apply).

Choice A reason: Anorexia, or loss of appetite, is not typically a direct manifestation of left-sided heart failure. While it can be associated with many medical conditions and may occur in the context of heart failure due to overall decreased well-being, it is not a specific indicator of left-sided heart failure.

Choice B reason: Weight gain can be associated with heart failure, but it is more commonly a sign of right-sided heart failure, where fluid accumulates in the body tissues, causing swelling and weight increase. In left-sided heart failure, weight gain is not as prominent because the primary issue is the backup of blood into the lungs, not fluid retention in the tissues.

Choice C reason: A distended abdomen can occur in heart failure due to fluid accumulation; however, it is more characteristic of right-sided heart failure, where the failure of the right ventricle leads to systemic congestion, including the abdominal area. In left-sided heart failure, the primary effect is on the lungs, not the abdomen.

Choice D reason: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a hallmark symptom of left-sided heart failure. It occurs due to the backup of blood in the pulmonary circulation, which leads to pulmonary congestion and reduced oxygen exchange. Patients may experience shortness of breath, especially during exertion or when lying flat (orthopnea), and may wake up at night with shortness of breath (paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea).

Left-sided heart failure, often caused by conditions like valvular heart disease, leads to a decrease in the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively. This results in a buildup of pressure in the lungs, manifesting as dyspnea, which is an important symptom for nurses and other healthcare providers to recognize and manage promptly.

Choice A reason:Placing a cool cloth on the forehead may provide comfort but does not address intracranial pressure, which could be causing the headache[^10^].

Choice B reason:Elevating the head of the bed 30 degrees helps to decrease intracranial pressure and can alleviate headache symptoms associated with a closed head injury[^10^].

Choice C reason:Administering morphine for pain relief should be done with caution, as it can depress respiration and mask changes in the level of consciousness, which are important indicators of neurological status[^10^].

Choice D reason:A lumbar puncture is contraindicated in the presence of increased intracranial pressure due to the risk of brain herniation[^10^].