The nurse is reviewing phone messages from clients in a surgery clinic. Which client would be the priority to call back first?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and decreased stool production may signal a bowel obstruction or obstructed ileostomy. Bowel obstruction can lead to electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, bowel perforation and infection (eg, peritonitis), and/or tissue necrosis. It is urgent and potentially life-threatening. The client must be evaluated by the health care provider in a timely manner. (Option A) Constipation is common after abdominal surgery due to opioid usage and decreased peristalsis from bowel manipulation. Increasing food or fluids might help the client have a bowel movement. (Option C) Phantom limb pain is a sensation of pain or tingling in the amputated body part. Wrapping the extremity or applying ice or heat might help until the client can be evaluated by the health care provider. (Option D) Active infection is a relative contraindication for elective surgical procedures. The client should be called back for assessment and likely rescheduling of surgery but would not take priority over a client with bowel obstruction. Educational objective: A bowel or stoma obstruction is urgent and requires immediate medical attention. Signs of obstruction may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, and decreased stool output. If left untreated, bowel obstruction can lead to electrolyte disturbances, dehydration, bowel perforation and infection (eg, peritonitis), and/or tissue necrosis.

The Nurse Is Reviewing Phone Messages from Clients in a Surgery