The absence of bowel sounds is established after listening for:
2 full minutes.
1 full minute.
5 full mutes.
1 1/2 minutes.
The Correct Answer is C
A. 2 full minutes: Listening for 2 minutes is insufficient to determine the absence of bowel sounds reliably.
B. 1 full minute: One minute is also too brief, as bowel sounds can sometimes be infrequent, especially in certain conditions.
C. 5 full minutes. The absence of bowel sounds is confirmed after listening in each quadrant for a minimum of 5 full minutes. This is necessary to ensure that the lack of sounds is not due to temporary decreased activity and is instead a true absence, which may indicate a medical emergency like a bowel obstruction.
D. 1 1/2 minutes: This time is not long enough to confirm the absence of bowel sounds accurately.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Intake and output: Although helpful, intake and output measurements can sometimes be inaccurate, as not all fluid retention may be recorded.
B. Daily weight: Daily weight measurements are the most reliable way to assess fluid retention because changes in body weight accurately reflect gains or losses in body fluid, especially in clients with chronic kidney disease.
C. Sodium level: Sodium levels can indicate fluid imbalances, but they do not directly measure fluid volume excess.
D. Skin tenting: Skin tenting is used to assess dehydration, not fluid retention, and is not a reliable measure in chronic kidney disease.
What subjective assessment information in this client situation is the most important and immediate concern for the nurse?
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Belching: Belching is a common symptom associated with GERD or indigestion, but it is not as critical as chest pain.
B. Chest pain: Chest pain is the priority because it can sometimes be a sign of serious conditions, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) mimicking angina, or even cardiac issues. This must be ruled out before considering other symptoms.
C. Flatulence: This is also a typical symptom with digestive issues but does not present an immediate concern compared to chest pain.
D. Pain with position: Although positional pain is common with GERD, it does not warrant immediate concern like chest pain, which could indicate a potential cardiac issue.