The nurse is performing an abdominal assessment on a patient who just returned from surgery following a colon resection. The nurse identifies that bowel sounds are not audible. Which action by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Ask a peer to validate the results.
Reassess in hours
Document the findings
Neely the healthcare provider.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Ask a peer to validate the results: While confirming findings with a colleague can sometimes be helpful, it is not necessary in this case. Postoperative ileus is common, and the priority is monitoring and documentation.
B. Reassess in hours: The nurse should reassess bowel sounds periodically, but the specific timeframe should be based on hospital policy and clinical judgment. Bowel sounds may be absent for hours to days postoperatively.
C. Document the findings: Documentation is critical as absent bowel sounds are expected after abdominal surgery. However, it should be accompanied by continued monitoring.
D. Notify the healthcare provider: Absence of bowel sounds immediately post-op is not necessarily an emergency. However, if accompanied by other signs (e.g., distention, vomiting, severe pain), notifying the provider would be warranted.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Lower left quadrant: Most diverticula occur in the sigmoid colon, causing LLQ pain.
B. Upper left quadrant: The upper left quadrant is not a common location for diverticular disease pain.
C. Upper right quadrant: URQ pain is more associated with gallbladder disease.
D. Lower right quadrant: LRQ pain is more common in appendicitis.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Viral hepatitis: Hepatitis B and C are risk factors for liver cancer, not pancreatic cancer. There is no strong link between hepatitis and pancreatic cancer.
B. High-fiber diet: A high-fiber diet is protective against colorectal cancer, not a risk factor for pancreatic cancer.
C. Chronic pancreatitis: Chronic inflammation of the pancreas increases the risk of pancreatic cancer by causing long-term cellular damage and mutations.
D. Regular exercise: Exercise reduces the risk of many cancers, including pancreatic cancer. Sedentary lifestyles and obesity increase the risk.
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