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.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice a reason:

A cream to soothe itching may be used if the client is experiencing pruritus, which can sometimes accompany biliary issues due to bile salts in the skin. However, pruritus is not a direct symptom of biliary colic, which is characterized primarily by pain.

Choice b reason:

Pain medication is the appropriate treatment for biliary colic. Biliary colic is caused by the temporary blockage of the bile duct by a gallstone, leading to intense pain in the upper right abdomen or the center of the abdomen. Pain relief is typically achieved with anti-inflammatory drugs or antispasmodics, and in some cases, opioids may be necessary.

Choice c reason:

An antibiotic would be prescribed if there was an infection, such as cholecystitis or cholangitis. Biliary colic itself does not necessarily indicate an infection unless accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or elevated white blood cell count.

Choice d reason:

A laxative is not typically used to treat biliary colic. While laxatives can help relieve constipation, biliary colic is a result of gallstones obstructing the bile duct, not bowel movement issues.

A. A blood glucose level of 80 mg/dL before eating. B. Gaining 5 pounds in the last 7 months. C. Waking up with a fever. D. Insomnia.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:
A blood glucose level of 80 mg/dL before eating falls within the normal fasting blood glucose range, which is between 70 mg/dL to 110 mg/dL. Therefore, this finding is not a priority concern for a client taking prednisone.

Choice B Reason:
Gaining 5 pounds over 7 months is not typically a priority concern unless it is sudden or unexplained. Prednisone can cause fluid retention and weight gain as a common side effect, but this gradual weight change does not indicate an immediate health risk.

Choice C Reason:
Waking up with a fever is a priority finding as it may indicate an infection. Patients on prednisone are at increased risk of infections due to its immunosuppressive effects¹. Fever could also signify an exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease or other complications.

Choice D Reason:
While insomnia is a common side effect of prednisone and can impact quality of life, it is not typically a priority over signs that could indicate infection or exacerbation of the underlying condition

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

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The physician has seen the client and informed the nurse that the client is suffering from an episode of biliary colic. The nurse should check the medication record for a prescription to give:

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who has been taking prednisone following an exacerbation of inflammatory bowel disease. Which finding should the nurse recognize as the priority? The client reports:

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The edited text with the question and the choices labeled from a to d is as follows: The nurse who assesses a client as having paranoid personality disorder is most likely to describe the client as:

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