HESI Fundamentals Exam Related

Review HESI Fundamentals Exam related questions and content

A client who is postoperative has paralytic ileus. Which of the following abdominal assessments should the nurse expect?

  • A. Absent bowel sounds with distention
  • B. Hyperactive bowel sounds with pain
  • C. Normal bowel sounds with cramping
  • D. Diminished bowel sounds with tenderness
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Paralytic ileus is a condition where there is a temporary paralysis of the bowel, leading to absent bowel sounds and abdominal distention. This occurs because the bowel is not functioning properly to propel contents, resulting in a lack of bowel sounds. Absent bowel sounds with distention are typical findings in paralytic ileus. Hyperactive bowel sounds with pain are more indicative of increased motility and are not expected in paralytic ileus. Normal bowel sounds with cramping may be seen in other conditions, such as gastroenteritis. Diminished bowel sounds with tenderness are not typical findings in paralytic ileus.