Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
64. A client asks a nurse how soon after bowel surgery normal bowel function will return. The best response by the nurse would be:
Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
64. A client asks a nurse how soon after bowel surgery normal bowel function will return. The best response by the nurse would be:
. "By 72 hours you should start to pass gas."
. "Around 48 hours, if there are no complications."
. "Some function will return by 12 hours."
. "You'll pass gas by 24 hours."
Test-Taking Tip
Think about the magnitude of the surgery. Choose the longest time period because the effects of general anesthesia, pain, medications, and immobility will delay the return of peristalsis. After 3 days (72 hours), there would be concern for paralytic ileus if normal bowel function did not return.
Content Area: Adult Health, Gastrointestinal; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Implementation; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Physiological Integrity/Basic Care and Comfort/Elimination
Pre-Test 1 and 2: Introduction to Special Questions Based on Official NCLEX-RN[®]
.
Answer 1 is correct because the bowel should be functioning by 72 hours. Answer 2 is incorrect because there may be faint bowel sounds, but the bowel will not be fully functional. Answer 3 is incorrect because the effects of general anesthesia on the bowel are still present. Answer 4 is incorrect because the question asks for full function. "Gas" is not full function. Some faint bowel sounds may be present.