Author Question: During the assessment of a postoperative patient's bowel sounds, the nurse auscultates absent sounds ... (Read 166 times)

cabate · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

During the assessment of a postoperative patient's bowel sounds, the nurse auscultates absent sounds over all four abdominal quadrants. The nurse realizes this finding could indicate what health problem?

1. paralytic ileus
2. normal bowel function
3. the onset of flatus
4. the onset of stool

Question 2

A patient is scheduled for extraction of a cataract. How should the nurse classify this patient's surgical procedure?

1. minor elective
2. minor diagnostic
3. major constructive
4. major elective

adammoses97 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 1

A distended abdomen with absent bowel sounds may indicate paralytic ileus. Normal bowel sounds are low in pitch. The onset or presence of flatus and stool is accompanied bowel sounds.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 1

Surgical procedures are classified according to purpose, risk factor, and urgency. Cataract extraction would be considered a minor elective surgery. Minor procedures carry minimal risk and minimal physical assault. A minor diagnostic surgery is used to determine or confirm a condition. Major constructive procedures require extensive physical assault and/or serious risk. Constructive procedures are used to build tissue/organs which are absent. Major elective procedures are suggested to the patient by the physician but there is little risk if they are not performed.