Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 69%
Simulated
A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following orthopedic surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication of paralytic ileus?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Abdominal distention. Paralytic ileus is a condition where there is a lack of bowel motility following surgery, leading to abdominal distention due to the accumulation of gas and fluids. This occurs because the normal peristalsis of the intestines is temporarily impaired. Watery stool (A) is more indicative of diarrhea, dizziness (B) could be related to other factors like dehydration, oliguria (D) is decreased urine output not related to paralytic ileus.