Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 69%
Simulated
A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse the client's peristalsis is returning?
Correct answer
D
Rationale
The correct answer is D: Passage of flatus. This indicates the return of peristalsis after abdominal surgery as it shows movement of gas through the intestines. Abdominal distention (A) is a sign of impaired peristalsis. Request for tea and toast (B) may indicate hunger but doesn't directly relate to peristalsis. Hypoactive bowel sounds (C) suggest decreased bowel motility, not returning peristalsis.