Question

You have a patient who has had an aortic aneurysm. You note the patient has hypoactive bowel sounds and the abdomen is distended. What medication is most likely the cause of this?

Answer 1

A diuretic acting on the loop of Henle inhibiting Na+ and Cl- reabsorption could cause hypoactive bowel sounds and abdominal distension in a patient with an aortic aneurysm.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the medication responsible for a patient with an aortic aneurysm experiencing hypoactive bowel sounds and abdominal distension, a likely culprit is a diuretic. Diuretics are commonly prescribed to manage conditions such as hypotension, where fluid balance and blood pressure regulation are crucial. In particular, a diuretic that acts on the loop of Henle in the kidneys would inhibit the reabsorption of sodium (Na+) and chloride (Cl-). This action would lead to increased urine production, which might explain the patient's symptoms if the diuretic effect is strong or if the patient has underlying gastrointestinal issues.