NCLEX PN Practice Test with NGN Related

Review NCLEX PN Practice Test with NGN related questions and content

The nurse in the surgical unit is caring for a 57-year-old client who underwent an abdominal hysterectomy.
Progress Notes
1 Day Postoperative
0800:
The client underwent total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral oophorectomy and tumor debulking 1 day ago for treatment of ovarian cancer. She has had four episodes of vomiting with bilious emesis over the past 12 hours, which have continued despite V antiemetic administration. The client has been receiving V broad-spectrum antibiotics since the procedure. The skin is warm. A low transverse abdominal incision is present; staples are clean and dry. Chest expansion is symmetric; respirations are unlabored: diminished breath sounds are auscultated in bilateral lower lobes. Radial pulses 2+ bilaterally, capillary refill <3 seconds in all four extremities; no peripheral edema is noted. The client reports frequent hot flashes occurring roughly every hour, starting last night. The abdomen is markedly distended and tender to palpation. Bowel sounds are absent in all four quadrants; the client reports no flatus. Urine is clear yellow with moderate output. The client reports incontinence with coughing or during episodes of vomiting.

For each finding below, click to specify if the finding is consistent with the disease process of postoperative ileus or small bowel obstruction.

  • A. Vomiting
  • B. Abdominal pain
  • C. Abdominal distension
  • D. Hypoactive bowel sounds
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D

Rationale: A: Consistent with both - Vomiting occurs in both postoperative ileus and small bowel obstruction due to impaired gut motility or blockage. B: Consistent with both - Abdominal pain is common in both conditions due to distension or obstruction. C: Consistent with both - Abdominal distension results from gas/fluid accumulation in both. D: Consistent with both - Hypoactive bowel sounds reflect reduced peristalsis in ileus or obstruction.