What does a distended abdomen mean? List the possible causes of this
The patient develops an ileus. This results in excessive gas production by bacterial breakdown. The bacterial breakdown also causes increased numbers of particles and draws water into the GI tract. This causes a "distended" or hard abdomen.
You might also like to view...
Questions that would be nonjudgmental when obtaining information about patient use of herbal remedies include: Select all that apply
a. "You don't regularly take herbal remedies, do you?" b. "What herbal medicines have you used to relieve your symptoms?" c. "What over-the-counter medicines and nutritional supplements do you use?" d. "Have you experienced toxic effects from mixing herbals and prescription drugs?" e. "What differences in your symptoms do you notice when you take herbal supplements?"
You are doing a shift assessment on your patients after first taking report. An elderly patient is having her second dose of IV antibiotics for a diagnosis of pneumonia. The nurse notices a new reddened rash on the patient's chest
The patient should be asked what priority question regarding the presence of a reddened rash? A) Is the rash worse at a particular time or season? B) Are you allergic to any food or medication? C) Is there any loss of sensation? D) What is your occupation?
An emergency department triage nurse receives a phone call from an older adult who states, "I am experiencing pain across my left side. It is tingling, and really hurts when it gets touched." Which of the following response by the nurse is most
A) "Do you have the pain right now?" B) "Have you taken any medications?" C) "Notify your primary health care provider today." D) "When did this pain start?"
A child is admitted to the hospital after a routine lead screen reveals an elevated serum lead level. The prescriber has ordered edetate calcium disodium (calcium EDTA) as a chelating agent. During this drug treatment, the nurse will expect to:
a. collect a daily urine specimen. b. give the medication on an empty stomach. c. monitor the child's heart rate and blood pressure. d. request orders for liver function tests.