An 81-year-old patient has a large bowel obstruction that occurred as a result of a fecal impaction.During nursing assessment of the patient,which of the following findings is consistent with a large bowel obstruction?

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Abdominal distension is a common finding in large bowel obstruction due to the accumulation of stool or gas proximal to the obstruction. Metabolic alkalosis, referred pain to the back, and bile-coloured vomiting are not typically associated with large bowel obstruction. Metabolic alkalosis may be present in patients with vomiting and loss of gastric acid, while referred pain to the back may be seen in patients with pancreatitis. Bile-coloured vomiting may be seen in patients with obstruction of the proximal small bowel or distal common bile duct.

An 81-Year-Old Patient Has a Large Bowel Obstruction That Occurred