A client with diverticular disease has just returned from a colonoscopy. While conducting an abdominal assessment, the nurse monitors for which of the following as an initial sign of a possible complication of the procedure?
Guarding and rebound tenderness
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Hyperactive bowel sounds
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: Guarding and rebound tenderness are signs of peritonitis, which is a serious complication of colonoscopy. Peritonitis is an inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. It can be caused by perforation or puncture of the colon during the colonoscopy, which allows bacteria and fecal matter to enter the peritoneal space. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of peritonitis, such as abdominal pain, rigidity, fever, and leukocytosis.
Choice B reason: Nausea and vomiting are not specific signs of a complication of colonoscopy. They may be caused by other factors, such as the sedation, the bowel preparation, or the ingestion of food or fluids after the procedure. Nausea and vomiting may also be symptoms of other conditions, such as gastroenteritis, food poisoning, or pregnancy.
Choice C reason: Diarrhea is not a sign of a complication of colonoscopy. Diarrhea may be a normal consequence of the bowel preparation, which involves taking laxatives or enemas to clear the colon before the procedure. Diarrhea may also be caused by other factors, such as the ingestion of food or fluids after the procedure, or the presence of an underlying bowel disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease.
Choice D reason: Hyperactive bowel sounds are not a sign of a complication of colonoscopy. Hyperactive bowel sounds may indicate increased peristalsis, which is the movement of the digestive tract. Hyperactive bowel sounds may be a normal response to the bowel preparation, the ingestion of food or fluids after the procedure, or the stimulation of the colon during the colonoscopy. Hyperactive bowel sounds may also be present in conditions such as diarrhea, gastroenteritis, or intestinal obstruction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreased heart rate is not a manifestation of hypovolemia. Hypovolemia is a condition where there is a decreased volume of blood in the body, which can result from blood loss, dehydration, or fluid shifts. Hypovolemia can cause the heart rate to increase, not decrease, as the body tries to compensate for the low blood pressure and maintain adequate perfusion.
Choice B reason: Increased blood pressure is not a manifestation of hypovolemia. Hypovolemia can cause the blood pressure to decrease, not increase, as the blood volume and cardiac output are reduced. The body may try to constrict the blood vessels to increase the blood pressure, but this is usually not enough to overcome the effects of hypovolemia.
Choice C reason: Weak pulse is a manifestation of hypovolemia. Hypovolemia can cause the pulse to become weak, thready, or difficult to palpate, as the blood flow and pressure are diminished. The pulse may also become irregular or rapid, as the heart tries to pump faster and harder to deliver oxygen to the tissues.
Choice D reason: Dyspnea is not a specific manifestation of hypovolemia. Dyspnea is a term for difficulty breathing, which can have many causes, such as asthma, pneumonia, or pulmonary edema. Hypovolemia can cause dyspnea if it leads to shock, which is a life-threatening condition where the organs and tissues are not receiving enough oxygen. However, dyspnea alone is not enough to indicate hypovolemia.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: The upper right quadrant is not the correct location for McBurney's point. This quadrant contains the liver, gallbladder, right kidney, and part of the colon. Pain in this area may indicate problems with these organs, such as hepatitis, gallstones, or kidney infection.
Choice B reason: The upper left quadrant is not the correct location for McBurney's point. This quadrant contains the stomach, spleen, left kidney, and part of the colon. Pain in this area may indicate problems with these organs, such as gastritis, splenomegaly, or kidney stones.
Choice C reason: The lower right quadrant is the correct location for McBurney's point. This quadrant contains the appendix, right ovary, and right fallopian tube. McBurney's point is a point on the abdomen that is one-third of the distance from the right anterior superior iliac spine to the umbilicus. Pain in this area may indicate appendicitis, ovarian cyst, or ectopic pregnancy.
Choice D reason: The lower left quadrant is not the correct location for McBurney's point. This quadrant contains the sigmoid colon, left ovary, and left fallopian tube. Pain in this area may indicate problems with these organs, such as diverticulitis, ovarian torsion, or pelvic inflammatory disease.

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