CMSRN Medical-Surgical Nursing

Answer - C - Paralytic ileus is characterized by diminished, absent, or uncoordinated bowel sounds due to inappropriate or absent autonomic nervous system (vagal) stimulation of the intestinal tract. Paralytic ileus may occur due to anesthetic interruption of autonomic outflow or hypokalemia. Edema of the intestinal mucosa (Choice A) is usually found with inflammation or ulcerative colitis. Acute dilation of the colon (Choice B) and high, tinkling bowel sounds (Choice D) are associated with large-bowel obstruction.