The nurse is caring for a client who has been diagnosed with a bowel obstruction.Which assessment finding leads the nurse to conclude that the obstruction is in the small bowel?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Small bowel obstructions often lead to severe fluid and electrolyte imbalances.The client is hypokalemic (normal range,3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L)and hyponatremic (normal range,136 to 145 mEq/L).Dramatic weight loss without dieting followed by bowel obstruction leads to the probable development of colon cancer.High-pitched,hyperactive bowel sounds may be noted with large and small bowel obstructions.Crampy abdominal pain across the lower quadrants is associated with large bowel obstruction.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Has Been