A client with a history of several previous abdominal surgeries has been admitted to the hospital with several abdominal pains

Question

Knowing that fibrous strands of collagen can form following abdominal surgery resulting in adhesions, the nurse should assess the client for:
A) Excess fluid in the abdomen
B) Intestinal obstruction causing constipation
C) Peritoneal fluid leaking from the umbilicus
D) Tight, rigid abdomen caused by bleeding from old surgical sites

Answer 1

Ans: B
Feedback:
If fibrosis occurs in any tissue space occupied by an inflammatory exudate, it is called organization. It occurs in serous cavities such as the pericardium and peritoneal cavities. Fibrous strands sometimes become organized within the peritoneal cavity following abdominal surgery or peritonitis. These strands of collagen, called adhesions, can trap loops of bowel and cause obstruction. Adhesions do not cause ascites (fluid in abdomen), leakage of serum from the umbilicus, or bleeding from old surgical scars.