Nursing management for a patient with a bowel obstruction includes which of the following interventions?

Choice A rationale

Staying with the patient and rechecking blood glucose delays immediate corrective action required for severe hypoglycemia (40 mg/dL). While safety is important, prompt treatment with glucose is the priority to prevent further complications.

Choice B rationale

Following the hypoglycemia protocol ensures immediate glucose administration, either orally, intravenously, or intramuscularly, to stabilize the patient. This is critical as glucose levels below 40 mg/dL require urgent intervention to prevent neuronal damage or coma.

Choice C rationale

Monitoring and rechecking glucose after treating is essential but not sufficient as the first action. Hypoglycemia this severe needs immediate treatment before monitoring, ensuring prompt glucose replacement to prevent worsening symptoms.

Choice D rationale

Notifying the physician without treating the hypoglycemia risks unnecessary delays. Immediate action, such as administering glucose per protocol, is vital in this emergency scenario for patient safety.

Choice A rationale

Keeping the patient NPO minimizes gastrointestinal motility and prevents further accumulation of intestinal contents, reducing the risk of perforation and worsening obstruction. Bowel rest is crucial in promoting resolution.

Choice B rationale

Nasogastric tube placement alleviates distention by decompressing the stomach and removing gastric contents, reducing vomiting and the risk of aspiration while improving patient comfort.

Choice C rationale

Rectal tubes are not effective in decompressing small bowel obstructions since the obstruction prevents material from reaching the rectum.

Choice D rationale

Frequent oral care prevents mucosal dryness and infection risk in patients who are NPO and receiving suction therapy, promoting overall oral hygiene.