A client is diagnosed with a large bowel obstruction. Which assessment findings by the nurse would be expected?

Abdominal distention

Hypoactive bowel sounds

Diarrhea

Fever

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A Reason:
Abdominal distention is a common finding in large bowel obstruction due to the accumulation of intestinal contents, gas, and fluid proximal to the obstruction site. This can lead to a visibly swollen abdomen and is often accompanied by discomfort or pain.

Choice B Reason:
Hypoactive bowel sounds are expected in large bowel obstruction as the peristaltic activity decreases below the point of obstruction. Initially, bowel sounds may be high-pitched or tinkling due to the intestine's attempt to move contents past the obstruction, but as the condition progresses, the sounds become less frequent or even absent.

Choice C Reason:
Diarrhea is not typically associated with large bowel obstruction. In fact, constipation or cessation of stool is a more common symptom. If diarrhea occurs, it may be due to a partial obstruction or the presence of liquid stool that can pass around the blockage.

Choice D Reason:
Fever may indicate a complication of large bowel obstruction, such as ischemia or perforation, leading to infection and inflammation. However, fever is not a primary symptom of uncomplicated large bowel obstruction and should prompt immediate further investigation.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A Reason
While hypertension can contribute to the development of PAD, it does not directly cause fats to deposit in the arteries. Hypertension can damage the arterial walls, making them more susceptible to atherosclerosis, but it is not the primary mechanism of PAD development.

Choice B Reason
Excess fats in the diet can contribute to atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of plaques in the arterial walls. However, the fats do not simply get stored; they combine with other substances, including calcium and inflammatory cells, to form plaques that can restrict blood flow.

Choice C Reason
This statement is the most accurate. PAD is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaques formed by fats, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances in the blood. These plaques can harden and narrow the arteries, leading to reduced blood flow to the extremities. The process can be exacerbated by factors such as smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Arterial spasms can occur, but they are not the typical cause of chronic PAD. Spasms are more often associated with conditions like Raynaud's phenomenon or can be a response to stress or cold temperatures. PAD is usually a result of progressive atherosclerosis rather than intermittent spasms.

A. Include yogurt in the diet. B. Administer famotidine 20 mg daily while taking the antibiotic. C. Test stool for occult blood. D. Arrange for IV administration of the antibiotic instead of the oral route.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice a reason:
Including yogurt in the diet can be beneficial for a client experiencing diarrhea related to antibiotic therapy. Yogurt contains probiotics, which are live microorganisms that can provide health benefits when consumed. These probiotics can help restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut that antibiotics may have disrupted, potentially reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea. However, it's important to choose yogurts that contain active probiotics and to be aware that some individuals may not tolerate dairy well during a bout of diarrhea.

Choice b reason:
Administering famotidine 20 mg daily may help with symptoms of gastritis or peptic ulcers but is not directly related to treating antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Famotidine is a histamine-2 blocker used to reduce stomach acid and is not typically used as a treatment for diarrhea. It should be noted that if a patient is experiencing severe diarrhea, the underlying cause should be addressed rather than just managing symptoms.

Choice c reason:
Testing stool for occult blood is generally not a standard intervention for antibiotic-related diarrhea unless there is a suspicion of gastrointestinal bleeding or an infection like C. difficile, which can cause more severe colitis. Occult blood tests are more commonly used for screening for colorectal cancer or diagnosing conditions that cause gastrointestinal bleeding.

Choice d reason:
Arranging for IV administration of the antibiotic instead of the oral route may be considered if the client has severe diarrhea that prevents the absorption of oral medications or if the client is unable to tolerate oral intake[^10^]¹¹¹²¹³¹⁴. However, many antibiotics have excellent oral bioavailability, and switching from IV to oral antibiotics when appropriate can be just as effective and is often preferred due to convenience and lower risk of complications.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A client is diagnosed with a large bowel obstruction. Which assessment findings by the nurse would be expected?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with chronic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) asks the nurse why this disease developed. Which explanation by the nurse is most accurate?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse would include which teaching or intervention in the care plan of a client experiencing diarrhea related to antibiotic therapy?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

After examining and treating a client who has been raped, discharge instructions from the emergency department (ED) would include which of the following?

A client is scheduled for a coronary angiography. In reviewing the client's record, what significant finding should the nurse report to the healthcare provider prior to this procedure?

A client with hypertension reports experiencing blurred vision intermittently over the last few weeks. What should the nurse explain to the client?

Which intervention by a psychiatric nurse implements the ethical principle of autonomy?

A client is being treated for an acute exacerbation of asthma. Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the goals of treatment are being met?

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis who suddenly complains of severe chest pain, shortness of breath, and is extremely anxious. The nurse suspects that the client may have developed a pulmonary embolism. Which intervention should the nurse perform first?

Which assessment finding indicates to the nurse that the client who sustained a fractured femur in a motor vehicle accident is experiencing fat emboli syndrome?