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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Absent bowel sounds on the fourth postoperative day suggests paralytic ileus,a complication associated with abdominal surgery.A small bowel obstruction and diarrhea produce hyperactive bowel sounds.Constipation might be associated with hypoactive bowel sounds.

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