The nurse is caring for a patient who underwent abdominal surgery the previous day. Which assessment findings indicate to the nurse that the patient may be experiencing serious internal bleeding? (Select all that apply.)
a. The patient's urinary output increased to 40 mL/hr.
b. The patient's pulse has risen from 76 to 112 beats/min.
c. The patient states that his abdominal pain is worse than yesterday.
d. The patient complains of generalized itching.
e. The patient's hematocrit dropped from 14.6 to 11.0 g/dL
f.
The patient has not been able to have a bowel movement since before surgery.
ANS: B, C, E
Signs of internal bleeding include tachycardia, increased abdominal pain and a drop in hematocrit/hemoglobin. Urinary output would decrease with internal bleeding because the kidneys work to conserve fluids. Itching and constipation are not signs of internal bleeding.
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