The nurse is caring for a patient with a new diagnosis of Guillian-Barré syndrome. What does the nurse expect to find when assessing this patient?

A) Increased muscle weakness: Guillain-Barré syndrome is characterized by the rapid onset of muscle weakness, which typically starts in the lower extremities and ascends. The nurse would expect to find varying degrees of muscle weakness as a hallmark symptom, which may progress to involve the upper limbs and respiratory muscles.

B) Pronounced muscle atrophy: While muscle weakness is a significant feature of Guillain-Barré syndrome, pronounced muscle atrophy is not typically seen immediately. Muscle atrophy may occur over time due to disuse but is not a direct initial finding upon assessment.

C) Diminished visual acuity: Visual acuity may not be directly affected in Guillain-Barré syndrome. While some patients may experience ocular symptoms, diminished visual acuity is not a primary feature of the syndrome and would not be expected as a common assessment finding.

D) Impaired cognitive

A) Friction rubs: These sounds are typically heard over the liver or spleen and indicate inflammation of the peritoneal surface. They are not standard findings during routine abdominal auscultation and are more specific to certain conditions.

B) Crepitus: This term refers to a crackling or popping sound often associated with joint movement or subcutaneous air and is not related to abdominal auscultation. It is not something a nurse would expect to hear when listening to bowel sounds.

C) Bruits: These are abnormal sounds that indicate turbulent blood flow, typically assessed over blood vessels rather than the abdomen itself. While they can be detected in some abdominal conditions, they are not the primary sounds expected during routine abdominal auscultation.

D) High pitched gurgling: This is characteristic of normal bowel sounds and indicates active peristalsis. High-pitched, gurgling sounds are a common finding during abdominal auscultation, reflecting the movement of gas and fluids in the intestines. This is what the nurse would expect to hear when assessing the abdomen.