The nurse assesses a patient's abdomen 4 days after abdominal surgery and notes that bowel sounds are absent. This finding most likely suggests which postoperative complication?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Paralytic ileus is a common postoperative complication characterized by the absence of bowel sounds due to temporary paralysis of the bowel. This can occur after abdominal surgery as the intestines may be slow to resume normal function.

The Nurse Assesses a Patient's Abdomen 4 Days After Abdominal