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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Plantar fasciitis typically presents with severe pain in the arch of the foot, especially during the first steps in the morning or after prolonged periods of rest.
Choice B rationale: Multiple toe deformities are not typically associated with plantar fasciitis.
Choice C rationale: Redness and severe swelling are not typical findings in plantar fasciitis.
Choice D rationale: Numbness and paresthesia are not common findings in plantar fasciitis.
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Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale: While the temperature is important in assessing health, it isn't the most concerning finding in this scenario compared to others.
Choice B rationale: A thready pulse (a weak, barely palpable pulse) could indicate a critical drop in blood pressure and cardiac output, which is a significant concern.
Choice C rationale: While indicating a possible issue with hydration, it's not as immediately concerning as other findings in this context.
Choice D rationale: Recently lost his job - While this has social and economic implications, it's not an immediate physiological concern in this clinical scenario.
Choice E rationale: While significant in his overall health, it's not a direct finding from the current assessment that immediately raises concern.
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