Final answer:
The correct abdominal assessment for a patient with postoperative paralytic ileus is 'Absent bowel sounds with distention.' Paralytic ileus involves non-mechanical blockage due to paralyzed intestinal muscles, resulting in no movement of content through the intestines and potential distention.
Step-by-step explanation:
A paralytic ileus is a condition where there is a blockage in the intestines caused not by a physical obstruction, but due to paralyzed intestinal muscles. In a patient who is postoperative and has a paralytic ileus, the expected abdominal assessment would be option B: Absent bowel sounds with distention.
This is because the muscles of the intestines are not working effectively to move content through the gastrointestinal tract, leading to a buildup of gas and fluids that can cause abdominal distention.
In contrast, frequent bowel sounds with flatus, hyperactive bowel sounds with diarrhea, and normal bowel sounds with increased peristalsis are not characteristic of paralytic ileus.
In the Case in Point where Javier is experiencing mild abdominal cramping and watery diarrhea post-procedure of an angioplasty, his symptoms could suggest a different gastrointestinal issue, such as an infection caused by Clostridium difficile (C. difficile).
The administration of intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics may have disrupted his normal intestinal flora, making him susceptible to such infections, which often require a timely and specific diagnosis, like using a nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) to ensure appropriate treatment.