A patient has stools that are foulsmelling and that float on water. The nurse documents that this patient is having

Choice A This is considered a normal abdominal assessment. The abdomen is soft and not distended, and bowel sounds are present and normal in all four quadrants.

Choice B Abdominal distension and firmness may indicate possible bowel obstruction or other gastrointestinal issues. Hypoactive bowel sounds suggest reduced motility, which is not normal.

Choice C Abdominal distension with hyperactive bowel sounds may indicate gastrointestinal irritation or increased motility, which is not normal.

Choice D A firm abdomen with hypoactive bowel sounds is not typical of a normal abdominal assessment.

A. When the left descending colon and rectum are removed, a colostomy is typically created. This involves bringing the proximal end of the remaining colon to the surface of the abdomen to create a stoma. The colostomy allows the rest of the bowel to heal and function normally.

B.A continent ostomy involves creating an internal reservoir with a valve, allowing the patient to control the evacuation of intestinal contents. This option is less common and usually associated with continent ileostomies rather than temporary diversions to rest a portion of the colon.

C. A Kock pouch is a type of continent ileostomy where an internal reservoir is created from the ileum, and the patient can empty the reservoir with a catheter. This is not typically used as a diversion for healing purposes involving the colon.

D.An ileostomy involves bringing the end of the ileum (the last part of the small intestine) to the surface of the abdomen to create a stoma. Given that the left descending colon and rectum were removed, this procedure is unlikely unless the entire colon is bypassed or removed, which is not specified in this scenario.