Question

A nurse is assessing a client following a colonoscopy. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is hemorrhaging?

a. Increased bowel sounds
b. Pink-tinged urine
c. Elevated temperature
d. Drop in hemoglobin level

Answer 1

After a colonoscopy, a drop in hemoglobin level is a crucial sign that the patient might be hemorrhaging, as it suggests internal blood loss.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse is assessing a client following a colonoscopy. Among the potential indications of hemorrhaging, a significant one would be a drop in hemoglobin level. Decreased hemoglobin suggests blood loss, which could occur internally post-procedure and may not be immediately visible. Increased bowel sounds and pink-tinged urine can be common after the procedure, whereas an elevated temperature could indicate infection but is not a direct sign of hemorrhaging. Therefore, the nurse should consider a drop in hemoglobin levels as a critical indicator of potential hemorrhage.