A nurse is assessing a client who has a mechanical bowel obstruction caused by intussusception of the ileum. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
High-pitched bowel sounds
Abdominal bruit
Bruising on the flank area
Coffee-ground emesis
The Correct Answer is A
A) High-pitched bowel sounds: High-pitched bowel sounds, also known as "tinkling" sounds, are characteristic of mechanical bowel obstructions. These sounds are created by the intestines as they try to move contents past the obstruction, resulting in increased peristaltic activity. In the case of intussusception, where one segment of the intestine telescopes into another, the obstruction can cause these distinctive high-pitched sounds due to the narrowing of the bowel lumen.
B) Abdominal bruit: An abdominal bruit is a swishing sound heard over the abdomen, usually indicating turbulent blood flow through narrowed arteries. It is commonly associated with vascular conditions such as atherosclerosis or renal artery stenosis. It is not related to bowel obstruction, as bowel sounds in obstruction cases are generally due to changes in peristaltic activity rather than blood flow.
C) Bruising on the flank area: Bruising on the flank area, known as Grey Turner's sign, is typically seen in conditions involving retroperitoneal hemorrhage, such as severe pancreatitis or trauma. It is not a symptom of bowel obstruction. Bowel obstruction symptoms generally relate to the gastrointestinal tract and include abdominal pain, distension, and altered bowel sounds.
D) Coffee-ground emesis: Coffee-ground emesis is vomit that appears like coffee grounds, indicating the presence of partially digested blood. This is a sign of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, often due to peptic ulcers or gastritis. In mechanical bowel obstruction, vomiting is more likely to contain bile (bilious vomiting) and may occur if the obstruction is high in the small intestine. The appearance of coffee-ground emesis is not typical for bowel obstructions and indicates a different type of gastrointestinal issue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
A) Teach the client to void over a urine strainer: After lithotripsy, clients are often advised to void over a strainer to catch any small stone fragments that may pass. This helps in monitoring the passage of stone fragments and ensures that any remaining stones can be analyzed for further management.
B) Administer oxybutynin to the client twice per day: Oxybutynin is an anticholinergic medication used to treat bladder spasms. It is not routinely used after lithotripsy unless specifically prescribed for bladder spasms, which are not a common postoperative concern for this procedure.
C) Encourage frequent ambulation for the client: Frequent ambulation is beneficial after lithotripsy as it helps promote overall recovery, reduces the risk of complications like deep vein thrombosis, and can facilitate the passage of stone fragments. Encouraging movement is an essential aspect of postoperative care.
D) Check the client's urine for ketones three times per day: Monitoring for ketones is not typically required following lithotripsy unless there is a specific concern about diabetic ketoacidosis or another condition that warrants ketone monitoring. It is not a standard intervention for postoperative care after lithotripsy.
E) Instruct the client to drink 3 L of fluid per day: Increasing fluid intake is crucial after lithotripsy to help flush out any remaining stone fragments and to prevent new stone formation. Drinking 3 liters of fluid per day is generally recommended to maintain adequate hydration and support the urinary system.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Limit crossing your legs at your knees to 30 minutes at a time: Crossing the legs at the knees can restrict blood flow and increase venous pressure, which is detrimental to clients with venous insufficiency. It's generally advised to avoid crossing legs altogether rather than limiting it to 30 minutes.
B) Elevate the head of the bed when sleeping at night: Elevating the head of the bed does not significantly aid in improving venous return from the legs. Elevating the legs instead helps reduce venous pressure and promotes better circulation, which is more beneficial for venous insufficiency.
C) Wash your graduated compression stockings in the washing machine: Washing compression stockings in a washing machine can damage their elasticity and effectiveness. It's better to hand wash them and let them air dry to maintain their compression properties.
D) Put on your graduated compression stockings before getting out of bed: Putting on compression stockings before getting out of bed helps to prevent blood from pooling in the legs. This maximizes their effectiveness in reducing edema and promoting venous return throughout the day.
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