A Patient Recovering from an Open Cholecystectomy 3 Days Prior

question 3

Multiple Choice

A patient recovering from an open cholecystectomy 3 days prior has not passed any flatus since surgery.Which finding suggests to the nurse that the patient may be experiencing a life-threatening condition?

• A)Anorexia
• B)Falling blood pressure
• C)Respiratory rate of 24
• D)Hypoactive bowel sounds

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Definitions:

Reflex Arc

A neural pathway that controls an action reflex, an automatic response to a stimulus that does not involve conscious thought.

Spinal Cord

The major bundle of nerves running down the back, encased in the spine, which transmits signals between the brain and the rest of the body.

Resting Potential

The electrical charge across the neuronal membrane when the neuron is not actively transmitting a signal, representing a stable state of readiness for activation.

Positively Charged

Having a greater number of protons than electrons, resulting in an electric charge that is positive.