Following abdominal surgery, the nurse suspects that the client may be

Following abdominal surgery, the nurse suspects that the client may be having internal bleeding. Which of the following findings is indicative of this complication?

1. Increased blood pressure
2. Incisional pain
3. Abdominal distention
4. Increased urinary output

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Signs of internal bleeding following abdominal surgery may include abdominal distention; swell-ing or bruising around the incision; increased pain; a drop in blood pressure; elevated heart and respiratory rates; thready pulse; cool, clammy, pale skin; and restlessness. The client who is hem-orrhaging will have a decreased blood pressure. Incisional pain may occur as a result of surgery. A continuous increase in pain in conjunction with other symptoms of bleeding may indicate in-ternal hemorrhaging. A client who is bleeding will have a decreased urinary output.