Final answer:
After a hemicolectomy, the nurse would expect to hear normal or decreased bowel sounds 4 hours post-op. Normal bowel sounds are characterized by a soft gurgling or bubbling noise, which can be heard with a stethoscope over the abdomen. It's important to monitor bowel sounds after surgery to ensure that the intestines are functioning properly.
Step-by-step explanation:
After a hemicolectomy, the nurse would expect to hear normal or decreased bowel sounds 4 hours post-op. This is because the surgery may cause temporary paralysis of the intestines, resulting in a decrease in bowel sounds. As the patient starts to recover, the bowel sounds should gradually return to normal.
Normal bowel sounds are characterized by a soft gurgling or bubbling noise, which can be heard with a stethoscope over the abdomen. These sounds are caused by the movement of gas and fluid through the intestines.
It's important to monitor bowel sounds after surgery to ensure that the intestines are functioning properly. If there are no bowel sounds or if they are absent for an extended period of time, it could indicate a problem such as an obstruction or ileus.