The nurse is caring for an older adult in the medical-surgical unit:
84-year-old female was admitted to the medical-surgical unit with a three-day history of abdominal pain, distention, nausea, and persistent vomiting. She reports that she has not had a bowel movement in five days and has no appetite.
Which of the following findings are consistent with a small bowel obstruction: Select all that apply.
Right lower quadrant abdominal pain
Fever
Nausea and vomiting
Unable to pass stool
distended abdomen
Correct Answer : C,D,E
Choice A rationale: Small bowel obstructions typically present with diffuse, crampy abdominal pain rather than localized pain in the right lower quadrant.
Choice B rationale: While fever can be present in some cases, it's not a consistent finding with small bowel obstruction unless there's perforation.
Choice C rationale: Common symptoms of small bowel obstruction due to the buildup of contents proximal to the obstruction.
Choice D rationale: A key feature of small bowel obstruction due to the blockage preventing normal bowel movements.
Choice E rationale: Accumulation of gas and fluid above the obstruction causes abdominal distention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Although important to assess for potential kidney injury, addressing hypotension due to potential spinal shock takes priority.
Choice B rationale: Important for determining any neurological deficits, but addressing hypotension is the initial priority.
Choice C rationale: Hypotension indicates potential spinal shock or hemorrhagic shock, and fluid resuscitation is the immediate priority to stabilize the client's blood pressure.
Choice D rationale: While important for assessing cardiac status, addressing hypotension takes precedence to stabilize the client's condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Symptoms and findings described align more with an acute, severe condition rather than a chronic one.
Choice B rationale: While cholecystitis can present with similar symptoms, the radiation of pain to the back is more indicative of a different condition.
Choice C rationale: Cholelithiasis (gallstones) might cause abdominal pain but typically doesn’t lead to fever and hypotension.
Choice D rationale: Symptoms including severe abdominal pain, radiation to the back, fever, and hypotension suggest acute pancreatitis, a potentially serious condition requiring urgent medical attention.
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