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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This type of anemia is caused by the reduced absorption of vitamin B12 in the small intestine after gastric bypass surgery. Vitamin B12 is needed for the production of healthy red blood cells and nerve function. The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia include sore tongue, tingling in the fingers, and balance problems.
Choice A is wrong because folic acid deficiency anemia is caused by the lack of folic acid in the diet or increased demand for folic acid, such as during pregnancy.
Folic acid is also needed for red blood cell production, but it does not cause nerve symptoms.
Choice B is wrong because aplastic anemia is caused by the failure of the bone marrow to produce enough blood cells.
It is not related to gastric bypass surgery or nutrient deficiency. It can be caused by infections, drugs, radiation, or autoimmune diseases.
Choice D is wrong because acquired anemia is a general term for any type of anemia that is not inherited or present at birth.
It can have many causes, such as blood loss, infection, inflammation, or chronic disease.
It does not specify the type of anemia or the underlying mechanism. 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 vitamin B12 are 200 to 900 pg/mL.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is because the cognitive domain of learning involves knowledge and understanding of information. By stating 3 ways to avoid his triggers, the patient demonstrates that he has learned and comprehended the information about prevention of inflammation.
Choice A is wrong because it belongs to the psychomotor domain of learning, which reflects learning behavior achieved through neuromuscular motor activities. Checking blood sugar is a physical skill, not a cognitive one.
Choice B is wrong because it belongs to the affective domain of learning, which characterizes the emotional arena reflected by learners’ beliefs, values and interests.
Discussing feelings about dietary changes is an affective outcome, not a cognitive one.
Choice D is wrong because it also belongs to the psychomotor domain of learning, as it involves demonstrating proper use of inhaler, which is another physical skill.
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