The nurse is caring for a client on the third day following abdominal surgery and assesses the absence of bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and the client passing no flatus. These findings indicate the client is experiencing which of the following postoperative complications?
Incisional infection
Paralytic ileus
Health care-associated Clostridium difficile
Fecal impaction
The Correct Answer is B
b. Paralytic ileus: Absence of bowel sounds, abdominal distention, and no passage of flatus are characteristic signs of paralytic ileus, which is a temporary impairment of bowel motility following surgery.
c. Health care-associated Clostridium difficile: Clostridium difficile infection is associated with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. The absence of bowel sounds and abdominal distention is not consistent with C. difficile infection.
d. Fecal impaction: Fecal impaction is characterized by a blockage of hardened stool in the
rectum or colon, leading to difficulty passing stool. It may cause abdominal discomfort, but it does not typically present with the absence of bowel sounds and abdominal distention seen in paralytic ileus.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a. A sensory warning that a seizure is imminent: An aura is a subjective sensation or warning that a seizure is about to occur. It can manifest as visual, auditory, or other sensory experiences.
b. A brief loss of consciousness accompanied by staring: This describes an absence seizure, not an aura. Absence seizures are characterized by a brief loss of consciousness without convulsions.
c. A continuous seizure state in which seizures occur in rapid succession: This describes status epilepticus, not an aura. Status epilepticus is a medical emergency characterized by prolonged or rapidly recurring seizures.
d. A period of sleepiness following the seizure during which arousal is difficult: This describes the postictal state, not an aura. The postictal state is a period of altered consciousness or
sleepiness that may follow a seizure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a. Magnesium 1.9 mg: This magnesium level is within the expected reference range (1.3-2.1 mEq/L).
b. Chloride 99 mEq/L: This chloride level is within the expected reference range (98-106 mEq/L).
c. Sodium 126 mEq/L: A sodium level of 126 mEq/L is significantly below the normal range (135-145 mEq/L), indicating hyponatremia, which can have serious consequences and requires prompt attention.
d. Potassium 3.6 mEq/L: This potassium level is within the expected reference range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L).
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