Final answer:
The expected finding in a patient suspected of having lactose intolerance is abdominal bloating, which is caused by the fermentation of undigested lactose by bacteria in the large intestine.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse assessing a patient suspected of having lactose intolerance can expect to find various symptoms associated with this condition. A common symptom experienced is abdominal bloating as a result of undigested lactose moving into the large intestine, where it is ferment by bacteria, producing gas and causing discomfort. Other symptoms may include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. Unlike symptoms such as increased appetite or frequent urination, which are not commonly associated with lactose intolerance, the expected findings align with the digestive difficulties caused by this condition.