A patient is in the intensive care unit with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome.Which assessment finding would suggest to the nurse that the patient is experiencing failure of the gastrointestinal system?
A)Increased flatus
B)Abdominal cramps
C)Absent bowel sounds
D)Complaint of epigastric burning

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Absent bowel sounds suggest a failure of the gastrointestinal system. This may indicate ileus or bowel obstruction. Increased flatus and abdominal cramps may be present in other gastrointestinal disorders. Complaint of epigastric burning may indicate a gastrointestinal disorder, but it is not specific to failure of the gastrointestinal system.

A Patient Is in the Intensive Care Unit with Multiple