The nurse is conducting an assessment on a client who is 36 hours postoperative following an appendectomy. During the assessment, the nurse is unable to hear any bowel sounds. The client denies passing flatus (gas). Given this information, which action is most appropriate by the nurse?

Encouraging the client to increase intake of foods that contain high fat to increase GI motility.

Encouraging the client to increase solid food intake to promote peristalsis.

Encouraging the client to increase intake of foods that contain fiber.

Withholding food and oral fluids until intestinal mobility has returned.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Withholding food and oral fluids until intestinal mobility has returned. This is because the client may have postoperative ileus (POI), which is a reduction of gastrointestinal motility after abdominal surgery. POI is characterized by abdominal distension, lack of bowel sounds, accumulation of gas and fluids in the bowel, and delayed passage of flatus and stools.

Giving food and fluids to a client with POI may worsen the condition and cause complications.

Choice A is wrong because high fat foods may slow down GI motility and increase the risk of constipation.

Choice B is wrong because solid food intake may also aggravate POI and cause abdominal discomfort.

Choice C is wrong because fiber intake may increase gas production and distension in the bowel. The nurse should auscultate the abdomen for bowel sounds, and if they are present, or the client reports passing flatus, clear fluids can commence, and aperients can be administered. However, bowel sounds are not a reliable indicator of the end of POI, as they may not be associated with the time of first flatus.

Therefore, withholding food and oral fluids until intestinal mobility has returned is the most appropriate action by the nurse.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

This nursing diagnosis is typically not associated with anemia because anemia does not cause dehydration or loss of body fluids. Anemia is a condition in which the hemoglobin concentration or the number of red blood cells is lower than normal, resulting in decreased oxygen delivery to the tissues.

Choice A. Ineffective tissue perfusion is wrong because anemia can impair tissue perfusion by reducing the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Choice B. Activity intolerance is wrong because anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, and dyspnea on exertion due to inadequate oxygen supply to the muscles.

Choice D. Risk for decreased cardiac output is wrong because anemia can increase the risk of cardiac complications such as tachycardia, palpitations, angina, and heart failure due to increased cardiac workload and demand for oxygen.

Normal ranges for hemoglobin are 13.5 to 17.5 g/dL for men and 12 to 15.5 g/dL for women; normal ranges for hematocrit are 38.8 to 50% for men and 34.9 to 44.5% for women; normal ranges for red blood cell count are 4.7 to 6.1 million/mm3 for men and 4.2 to 5.4 million/mm3 for women; normal ranges for reticulocyte count are 0.5 to 1.5% of red blood cells.

A. Hourly vital signs. B. Implementing all fall risk precautions. C. Utilizing bariatric bed and trapeze bar. D. Supine positioning.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient with a BMI of 38 is considered to have obesity, which means they have excess body fat that may impair their mobility and increase their risk of complications such as pressure ulcers, infections, and respiratory problems. A bariatric bed is designed to accommodate the weight and size of obese patients, and a trapeze bar can help them change positions and transfer to a chair or wheelchair.

These interventions can promote comfort, safety, and independence for the patient.

Choice A is wrong because hourly vital signs are not necessary for a patient with obesity unless they have other conditions that warrant frequent monitoring.

Choice B is wrong because implementing all fall risk precautions may be excessive and restrictive for a patient with obesity who is otherwise stable and alert.

Choice D is wrong because supine positioning can compromise the patient’s breathing and circulation, and increase the risk of pressure ulcers and aspiration.

The patient should be encouraged to change positions frequently and elevate the head of the bed when lying down.

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The nurse is conducting an assessment on a client who is 36 hours postoperative following an appendectomy. During the assessment, the nurse is unable to hear any bowel sounds. The client denies passing flatus (gas). Given this information, which action is most appropriate by the nurse?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which of the following nursing diagnoses would typically NOT be associated with anemia?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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