The nurse doesn’t hear any gurgling while listening to bowel sounds. What should be the nurse’s next course of action?
Document the bowel sounds as hypoactive
Administer prescribed drugs for constipation
Review dietary intake for the past 24 hours
Continue to listen for at least another 60 seconds
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Documenting the bowel sounds as hypoactive is not the most appropriate action. Hypoactive bowel sounds are fewer than three bowel sound events in a minute or none at all. However, the absence of bowel sounds does not necessarily mean they are hypoactive. It could be due to other reasons such as ileus.
Choice B rationale
Administering prescribed drugs for constipation is not the immediate course of action when the nurse doesn’t hear any gurgling while listening to bowel sounds. Constipation is a condition that can cause hypoactive bowel sounds, but it’s not the only reason for the absence of bowel sounds. The nurse should first confirm the absence of bowel sounds before considering this action.
Choice C rationale
Reviewing dietary intake for the past 24 hours is not the immediate course of action. While diet can affect bowel sounds, it’s not the first step when bowel sounds are not heard. The nurse should first confirm the absence of bowel sounds before considering this action.
Choice D rationale
The correct action when the nurse doesn’t hear any gurgling while listening to bowel sounds is to continue to listen for at least another 60 seconds. Bowel sounds are produced by the movement of fluid, gas, and contents through the intestines. An absence of bowel sounds for greater than two minutes may indicate that there is no peristalsis—which implies an ileus.
Therefore, the nurse should continue to listen for at least another 60 seconds to confirm the absence of bowel sounds.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hyperthermia and severe tachycardia are not typical symptoms of damage to the parathyroid glands.
Choice B rationale
Hypercalcemia and shortness of breath are not typical symptoms of damage to the parathyroid glands.
Choice C rationale
Laryngospasms and tingling in the hands and feet can be symptoms of hypoparathyroidism, a condition that can occur if the parathyroid glands are damaged. Hypoparathyroidism can lead to low levels of calcium in the blood, which can cause these symptoms.
Choice D rationale
Hypophosphatemia, hypertension, vomiting, and chest pain are not typical symptoms of damage to the parathyroid glands.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hepatitis C is not spread through inhalation. It is a bloodborne virus that is most commonly spread through direct contact with the blood of an infected person.
Choice B rationale
While it is possible for hepatitis C to be spread through semen, this is less common. The risk is higher for men who have sex with men, especially if they are also infected with HIV6.
Choice C rationale
Hepatitis C is not spread through feces. It is a bloodborne virus that is most commonly spread through direct contact with the blood of an infected person.
Choice D rationale
Hepatitis C is primarily spread through blood. This can occur through sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs, or through needle-stick injuries among healthcare workers.
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