Question

A nurse is assessing a client who has a partial obstruction of the large bowel. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

a) Diarrhea
b) Increased bowel sounds
c) Abdominal distention
d) Hypertension

Answer 1

The nurse would expect abdominal distention in a client with a partial obstruction of the large bowel. Increased bowel sounds may occur early on, but will likely diminish as the obstruction worsens.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse assessing a client who has a partial obstruction of the large bowel would expect to find abdominal distention as a key manifestation. This occurs due to the accumulation of intestinal contents and gas proximal to the obstruction. Diarrhea might be present initially due to the bowel trying to move contents past the obstruction, but typically, as the bowel becomes more distended, the patient may experience less frequent bowel movements or constipation. Increased bowel sounds can be an early sign as the bowel attempts to move contents through; however, as the obstruction worsens, bowel sounds may diminish. Hypertension is not a direct symptom of bowel obstruction.