Which assessment finding is the best Indicator to the nurse that a client's peristaltic activity (Gl motility) has resumed after surgery?
Client states they are hungry.
Presence of abdominal cramping.
Presence of bowel sounds.
Passing of flatus or stool
The Correct Answer is C
Bowel sounds are the result of muscular contractions in the intestines, indicating the movement of food, fluids, and gas through the gastrointestinal tract. After surgery, the normal function of the intestines, including peristalsis, may be temporarily impaired. As the intestines recover and regain their normal motility, bowel sounds will become audible.
The return of bowel sounds is an encouraging sign that the gastrointestinal system is starting to function again. It indicates that peristaltic activity has resumed and that the intestines are moving and processing the contents within. This is an essential step in the postoperative recovery process, as it indicates the return of normal gastrointestinal function and can lead to the resumption of oral intake and passage of stool.
While the other options may also be associated with the return of GI function, such as feeling hungry or passing flatus or stool, the presence of bowel sounds is a more reliable and direct assessment finding that indicates the resumption of peristaltic activity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The signs or symptoms the nurse would observe in a 4-year-old client experiencing a recurrence of minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) include:
- MCNS is characterized by increased glomerular permeability, leading to the loss of protein, particularly albumin, in the urine. Proteinuria is a hallmark feature of MCNS and is usually detected through urine testing.
- Due to the excessive loss of protein in the urine, particularly albumin, the client with MCNS may have low levels of albumin in the blood. Hypoalbuminemia can result in various complications, such as edema formation and impaired immune function. However this is not a sign or symptom.
- Edema is a common symptom of MCNS and typically presents as swelling in the face, around the eyes, and in the extremities. This is a result of the fluid shifts and fluid retention caused by the altered glomerular function and hypoalbuminemia.
Hypocalcemia and ketones in the urine are not typically associated with MCNS. Hypocalcemia can occur in some types of kidney disease, but it is not a characteristic feature of MCNS. Ketones in the urine are more commonly associated with conditions like diabetic ketoacidosis or inadequate carbohydrate intake.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A paralytic ileus is a type of bowel obstruction characterized by the impairment or absence of normal bowel motility. It occurs due to the temporary paralysis or dysfunction of the muscles that propel food and waste material through the intestines. After surgery, paralytic ileus can occur as a result of the handling of the intestines during the procedure, the effects of anesthesia, or the body's response to inflammation and trauma.
The absence of bowel sounds is a key indicator of paralytic ileus. Normally, bowel sounds are present and indicate the movement of contents through the intestines. However, in a paralytic ileus, the bowel sounds may be diminished or absent due to the lack of peristalsis (wave-like contractions that move food along the digestive tract).
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