Nokea
Nurses' Notes
Vital Signs
Laboratory Results
Provider Prescriptions
Day 1, 1000:
The client reports mid abdominal pain. Client reports pain as 7 on a scale of 0 to 10. The client states, "I haven't had a bowel movement in 4 days." The client states, "I also have vomited once or twice."
Physical Exam:
General: uncomfortable, grimacing
HEENT: dry mucous membranes
Cardiovascular: S1, S2, no murmur
Respiratory: bilateral breath sounds clear
Gastrointestinal: tenderness to palpation, high-pitched bowel sounds
Skin: no jaundice noted
Social history: drinks 1 to 2 glasses of wine daily. Client reports no tobacco use.
Day 1, 1100:
Morphine administered as prescribed. IV fluids with potassium supplements initiated. Nasogastric tube inserted into left nare and set to low wall suction.
Day 4, 1000:
Client reports that abdominal pain has decreased to 3 on a scale of 0 to 10. Client states, "I feel less nauseous today and haven't vomited since yesterday." Client reports having a small bowel movement early this morning.
Physical exam:
General: Appears more comfortable, not grimacing.
HEENT: Mucous membranes moist.
Cardiovascular: S1, S2, no murmur.
Respiratory: Bilateral breath sounds clear.
Gastrointestinal:
Mild tenderness to palpation.
Bowel sounds present and more regular, less high-pitched.
Skin: No jaundice noted, skin warm and dry.
The nurse continues to assist with the care of the client.
The nurse continues to assist with the care of the client. Which of the following findings indicates that the client's condition has improved?
Correct Answer: D,E,F
Rationale: Decreased pain (from 7 to 3), reduced nausea, and more regular bowel sounds indicate improvement in the client's condition, likely due to resolution of obstruction.