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

Answer and Explanation

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.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) "Limit fluids that contain electrolytes":
For a client with gastroenteritis, it is crucial to maintain hydration due to the risk of dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting. However, fluids containing electrolytes can help replenish lost electrolytes and are beneficial. The instruction to "limit" these fluids might be misunderstood as a need to avoid them, which is not appropriate. The aim should be to encourage adequate hydration with fluids that contain electrolytes.

B) "Eliminate sources of probiotics from the diet":
Probiotics can help restore the balance of gut bacteria and may be beneficial in managing gastroenteritis. Eliminating probiotics from the diet is not typically recommended and may not support the recovery process.

C) "Take docusate sodium twice daily":
Docusate sodium is a stool softener, generally used to relieve constipation. In the context of gastroenteritis, which typically involves diarrhea, this medication is not appropriate and could worsen the condition.

D) "Avoid foods high in simple sugars":
Foods high in simple sugars can exacerbate diarrhea by increasing osmotic load in the intestines, leading to more water being drawn into the gut. Avoiding these foods can help manage and reduce symptoms of gastroenteritis.

A. Give a 25-mg test dose of the medication. B. Flush the IV site with 3 mL of heparin following infusion. C. Instruct the client to remain supine for 10 min after administration. D. Dilute the medication in sterile water for injection.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Drowsiness: While drowsiness can be a sign of elevated magnesium levels, it is less critical compared to more immediate symptoms like bradycardia. Monitoring and managing drowsiness is important, but bradycardia poses a more immediate risk of severe cardiovascular issues.

B) Diminished patellar reflexes: Diminished reflexes can indicate elevated magnesium levels, but this finding is less urgent compared to symptoms directly affecting heart function. It still needs to be reported but is not the highest priority.

C) Generalized muscle weakness: Muscle weakness is another common sign of high magnesium levels, reflecting the effect of magnesium on neuromuscular function. However, it is less critical compared to bradycardia, which can be life-threatening.

D) Bradycardia: Elevated magnesium levels can significantly impact cardiac function, leading to bradycardia. Bradycardia can be life-threatening, as it may result in decreased cardiac output and potential for severe complications. Therefore, this finding requires immediate attention and should be reported to the provider first.

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