The nurse is caring for an older adult in the medical-surgical unit:
84-year-old female was admitted to the medical-surgical unit with a three-day history of abdominal pain, distention, nausea, and persistent vomiting. She reports that she has not had a bowel movement in five days and has no appetite.
Which of the following findings are consistent with a small bowel obstruction: Select all that apply.
Right lower quadrant abdominal pain
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Unable to pass stool
distended abdomen
Correct Answer : C,D,E
Choice A rationale: Small bowel obstructions typically present with diffuse, crampy abdominal pain rather than localized pain in the right lower quadrant.
Choice B rationale: While fever can be present in some cases, it's not a consistent finding with small bowel obstruction unless there's perforation.
Choice C rationale: Common symptoms of small bowel obstruction due to the buildup of contents proximal to the obstruction.
Choice D rationale: A key feature of small bowel obstruction due to the blockage preventing normal bowel movements.
Choice E rationale: Accumulation of gas and fluid above the obstruction causes abdominal distention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Redness briefly after removing the appliance might be common due to increased blood flow but does not necessarily indicate an issue.
Choice B rationale: A deep red-purple stoma color can suggest impaired blood supply to the stoma and requires immediate attention.
Choice C rationale: The consistency of output from the colostomy may vary based on the site and type of colostomy and might not necessarily be concerning.
Choice D rationale: The length of the stoma can vary and usually depends on the type of colostomy, and 1/2 inch above the abdomen is within an acceptable range.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Irregular respirations, bradycardia, and widened pulse pressure might indicate increased intracranial pressure.
Choice B rationale: This set of symptoms is often seen in cardiac tamponade and is referred to as the Beck’s triad and not Cushing's triad.
Choice C rationale: Cushing's triad is a set of clinical signs associated with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and typically includes bradycardia (slow heart rate),
hypertension (elevated blood pressure), and irregular breathing patterns. Fixed pupils can also be present in some cases, but it's important to note that this triad is not always consistently present and may vary from person to person.
Choice D rationale: This set of symptoms describes symptoms of shock, not specifically Cushing's triad.
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