A patient comes into the emergency department with suspected ...

[Medesa]

A patient comes into the emergency department with suspected appendicitis. What should the nurse do for this patient?
 
  1. Provide a hot water bottle to place over the abdomen.
  2. Provide with clear water to drink.
  3. Inspect the abdomen and assess bowel sounds.
  4. Prepare to administer a biscodyl (Dulcolax) suppository.

Question 2

The nurse can detect no bowel sounds on a patient recovering from bowel surgery. What should the nurse suspect is occurring in this patient?
 
  1. borborygmi
  2. paralytic ileus
  3. hyperactive bowel sounds
  4. atonic bowel

[mathjasmine]

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 3
Keep the patient with suspected appendicitis NPO, and do not administer laxatives or enemas, which may cause perforation of the appendix. No heat should be applied to the abdomen; this may increase circulation to the appendix and also cause perforation.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 2
Paralytic ileus, or ileus, is defined as an impaired propulsion or forward movement of bowel contents. The patient will not have bowel sounds upon auscultation. Borborygmi are loud, hyperactive bowel sounds. Hyperactive bowel sounds are an increase in sound and frequency. Atonic is a term used to refer to the loss of muscular tone.