Question

A nurse in an emergency department is assessing a client who displays manifestations of a small bowel obstruction. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? Select all that apply.

a) Hyperactive bowel sounds
b) Abdominal distension
c) Diarrhea
d) Vomiting
e) Hypoactive bowel sounds

Answer 1

A nurse should expect to find hyperactive bowel sounds, abdominal distension, and vomiting as manifestations of a small bowel obstruction, while diarrhea and hypoactive bowel sounds might not necessarily be present.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse assessing a client with a small bowel obstruction should expect to find certain clinical manifestations associated with this condition. The findings include:

• Hyperactive bowel sounds in the initial stages due to increased stomach muscle contractions attempting to push the contents past the obstruction.
• Abdominal distension caused by the accumulation of intestinal contents and gas above the obstruction.
• Vomiting which may be a consequence of the bowel's inability to properly move contents leading to a build-up and eventual reverse in movement, or emesis.

Option 'c', diarrhea, is less likely as the obstruction prevents passage of normal bowel content, and 'e', hypoactive bowel sounds, could be present but typically in later stages when the bowel becomes fatigued and less active.

In cases of small bowel obstruction, severe dehydration is also a concern, as seen in other gastrointestinal issues that involve excessive vomiting and diarrhea.