of the following signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction which is related primarily to small bowel obstruction rather than large bowel obstruction
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Gastrointestinal System Nursing Exam Questions

1. Of the following signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction, which is related primarily to small bowel obstruction rather than large bowel obstruction?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Profuse vomiting is the classic sign of small bowel obstruction and rarely occurs with large bowel obstruction. Abdominal discomfort and distention are present in both small and large bowel obstructions, but distention is more common in large bowel obstruction. High-pitched bowel sounds indicate hyperperistalsis, which occurs early in obstruction.

2. Michael, a 42 y.o. man is admitted to the med-surg floor with a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. His BP is 136/76, pulse 96, Resps 22 and temp 101. His past history includes hyperlipidemia and alcohol abuse. The doctor prescribes an NG tube. Before inserting the tube, you explain the purpose to patient. Which of the following is a most accurate explanation?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Explain to the patient that the NG tube is used to empty the stomach of fluids and gas, which helps relieve symptoms of acute pancreatitis.

3. The nurse is assessing a client 24 hours following a cholecystectomy. The nurse notes that the T-tube has drained 750ml of green-brown drainage. Which nursing intervention is most appropriate?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Documenting the findings is the most appropriate action as 750ml of green-brown drainage is expected after a cholecystectomy.

4. Donald is a 61 y.o. man with diverticulitis. Diverticulitis is characterized by:

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Diverticulitis is characterized by crampy lower left quadrant pain and a low-grade fever.

5. Which of the following laboratory results would be expected in a client with peritonitis?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: A white blood cell count above 15,000 is indicative of an infection, such as peritonitis.

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