During an abdominal examination, the nurse hears high-pitched, tinkling bowel sounds. What is the most likely cause of this finding?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The high-pitched, tinkling bowel sounds indicate hyperperistalsis in response to bowel obstruction, leading to air and fluid passing through the narrowed area. This finding is consistent with option B, gastrointestinal obstruction. Normal peristalsis (option A) would present with regular, rhythmic bowel sounds. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (option C) is unrelated to bowel sounds and presents with heartburn and regurgitation. Diverticulitis (option D) typically presents with localized tenderness and pain in the lower left abdomen, not high-pitched bowel sounds. Therefore, the correct answer is B due to the characteristic bowel sound associated with gastrointestinal obstruction.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cerebellar function and coordination. This task, known as the finger-to-nose test, assesses the coordination and accuracy of movements controlled by the cerebellum. When the patient is asked to touch their nose and then the nurse's finger, any inaccuracies or tremors in movement indicate cerebellar dysfunction. Choice B is incorrect as cranial nerve function is not specifically tested in this task. Choice C is incorrect as proprioception, the sense of body position and movement, is not the primary focus of this test. Choice D is incorrect as memory is not being directly assessed in this task.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Gastrointestinal obstruction. A distended abdomen with tympany on percussion is indicative of trapped air in the intestines, commonly seen in gastrointestinal obstruction. This occurs when there is a blockage in the intestines, causing gas to accumulate and result in the distension. Ascites (B) is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, which would present with dullness on percussion, not tympany. Pancreatitis (C) and Hepatomegaly (D) typically do not present with tympany on percussion and are not likely to cause a distended abdomen with this specific finding.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: 37 degrees Celsius (oral), is correct as it equals 98.6°F, the standard adult oral temperature. Axillary ( 37°C) is higher than typical (~36.6°C). 36°C oral, is too low (96.8°F). 37.7°C oral (99.9°F), suggests fever. Oral readings, taken sublingually, are 0.5°C below rectal (37.5°C-38.1°C) and 0.5°C above axillary (36.5°C-37°C), balancing accuracy and convenience. This norm, established by Wunderlich in the 19th century, remains a clinical benchmark, varying slightly by time of day or individual. Nursing relies on 37°C oral for baseline health, making B the accurate choice per physiological standards.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Mercury thermometers pose risks due to toxicity if broken, making patient education vital. Encouraging alternative devices like digital thermometers is a proactive, safe recommendation, reducing exposure risk while maintaining functionality. Teaching safety about breakage is useful but incomplete without promoting alternatives. Telling patients to discard mercury thermometers in the trash is unsafe, as mercury requires special disposal, not regular waste. Restricting use to hospitals is impractical and ignores home needs. Choice C is correct because it aligns with public health guidelines (e.g., CDC) to phase out mercury thermometers, offering a practical, safe solution for home use, enhancing family safety and modernizing care practices.