Question

A client is admitted to the emergency department reporting abdominal discomfort and constipation lasting 3 days. Which abdominal assessment data would the nurse report to the primary healthcare provider?

1. Striae.
2. Borborygmi.
3. High-pitched bowel sounds.
4. Tympany noted on percussion.

Answer 1

High-pitched bowel sounds should be reported to the primary healthcare provider as they may indicate a serious condition such as intestinal obstruction or inflammation.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a client is admitted to the emergency department with abdominal discomfort and constipation, there are specific findings during an abdominal assessment that a nurse should report to the primary healthcare provider. Among the choices given:

• Striae are stretch marks on the skin and are typically not immediately concerning for acute abdominal issues.
• Borborygmi refer to loud, gurgling bowel sounds that suggest increased gastrointestinal activity which could be normal or related to a gastrointestinal disorder.
• High-pitched bowel sounds may indicate intestinal obstruction or inflammation and should be reported.
• Tympany noted on percussion generally indicates the presence of gas in the gastrointestinal tract and is a common finding.

Therefore, the nurse should report high-pitched bowel sounds to the primary healthcare provider as this may indicate a more serious underlying condition requiring immediate attention.