(^314) Medical-Surgical Nursing Demystified
- Paralytic ileus:
- Abdominal pain (constant)
- Abdominal distention
- Vomiting of gastrointestinal contents
- Bowel sounds diminished or absent
INTERPRETING TEST RESULTS
- Abdominal x-ray shows dilation of small bowel with air-fluid levels in ob-
struction; diffuse distention in ileus.
TREATMENT
- NPO to rest intestinal tract.
- Nasogastric tube attached to suction the contents from stomach.
- Intravenous fluid replacement with isotonic solution.
- Correction of electrolyte imbalances.
- Parenteral nutrition replacement and vitamin supplementation.
- Administer antiemetics if nausea continues after NG tube in place.
- Monitor electrolytes.
NURSING DIAGNOSES
- Risk for imbalanced nutrition: less than what body requires
- Risk for imbalanced fluid volume
- Altered bowel elimination
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Monitor vital signs for changes.
- Assess abdomen for bowel sounds, tenderness.
- Monitor intravenous access site for irritation, redness, swelling.
- Keep patient NPO.
- Monitor intake and output.
- Replace fluids lost from all sources