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

According to Mayo Clinic, physical therapy and exercises can improve strength, flexibility and stamina for people with fibromyalgia.

Low-impact aerobics, such as swimming or biking, are recommended as they are less likely to cause muscle soreness or injury.

Choice A is wrong because antidepressant medications can help ease the pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia.

They are often prescribed as part of the treatment plan.

Choice B is wrong because physical manifestations of the disease do not become progressively worse despite treatment.

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition, but it does not damage the joints, muscles or organs.

Choice D is wrong because narcotic analgesia will not be used for long-term pain control. Opioid medications can cause significant side effects and dependence and will worsen the pain over time.

They are not recommended for fibromyalgia treatment.

A. The runner may lose consciousness due to heat stroke. B. It is not necessary to call 911. C. It is normal to vomit and not sweat during a marathon. D. Getting the patient to a cooler, air-conditioned place will reverse the heat exhaustion.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Heat stroke is a serious condition caused by overheating of the body, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. It can damage the brain and other internal organs, and can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Some of the symptoms of heat stroke are:

• High body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher

• Altered mental state or behavior, such as confusion, agitation, slurred speech, seizures or coma

• Lack of sweating despite the heat

• Red, hot and dry skin

• Rapid and strong pulse

• Throbbing headach

• Nausea and vomiting

Choice B is wrong because it is necessary to call 911 if someone has heat stroke. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate attention and cooling of the body.

Choice C is wrong because it is not normal to vomit and not sweat during a marathon. Vomiting and lack of sweating are signs of dehydration and heat stroke, which indicate that the body is unable to regulate its temperature properly.

Choice D is wrong because getting the patient to a cooler, air-conditioned place will not reverse the heat exhaustion.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can lead to heat stroke if not treated. Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea and muscle cramps. Getting the patient to a cooler place may help with heat exhaustion, but heat stroke requires more aggressive cooling measures such as immersing the patient in cold water or applying ice packs to the body.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is reinforcing teaching with a client who has a new diagnosis of fibromyalgia. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is cheering on participants in a marathon and one runner collapses nearby. He begins to vomit and complain of a throbbing headache. The nurse notes that he is not sweating, yet his skin is red and very hot to touch, and his pulse is 170 bpm and strong. The nurse knows that:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a patient who has complaints of fatigue. If the fatigue is caused by lifestyle choices, what should the nurse recommend for fatigue prevention? (Select all that apply)

The RN performs an admission assessment and determines the client is a fall risk. What is a priority nursing intervention for this client?

A nurse is assisting with teaching a class about physical manifestations associated with the fight-or-flight response to stress. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse include?

A nurse is assisting with teaching a newly licensed nurse about ethical principles. The nurse should include that working to not cause harm to a client, while trying to achieve the best possible outcome, is an example of which of the following ethical principles?

Your patient was outdoors and developed hypothermia. You know that independent nursing interventions would include:

The nurse identifies chronic pain as an appropriate nursing priority (or problem/diagnosis) for a client with fibromyalgia. Which manifestation did the client most likely report that caused the nurse to select this priority?

A nurse is teaching a newly licensed nurse about informed consent. Which of the following should be included as a responsibility of the nurse in this process?