68. If a bowel obstruction occurs from inflammatory bowel disease at the transverse colon, a nurse will initially hear bowel sounds that are:
68. If a bowel obstruction occurs from inflammatory bowel disease at the transverse colon, a nurse will initially hear bowel sounds that are:
. Increased RLQ; decreased LLQ.
. Decreased RLQ; decreased LLQ.
. Absent RLQ; absent LLQ.
. Decreased RLQ; increased LLQ.
Test-Taking Tip
Visualize the colon. Initially bowel sounds increase proximal to an obstruction and are absent distal to the obstruction.
Content Area: Adult Health, Gastrointestinal; Integrated Process: Nursing Process, Assessment; Cognitive Level: Application; Client Need/Subneed: Health Promotion and Maintenance/Techniques of Physical Assessment
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Answer 1 is correct because initially peristalsis will increase in the ascending colon (right lower quadrant [RLQ]) in an attempt to clear the blockage. There will be no peristalsis distal to the obstruction. Answer 2 is incorrect because peristalsis will increase proximal (RLQ) to the obstruction. Answer 3 is incorrect because initially peristalsis will increase proximal (RLQ) to the obstruction. Answer 4 is incorrect because peristalsis will be present initially proximal (left lower quadrant [LLQ]) to the obstruction.