Apatient is admitted with lower abdominal pain and nausea. the nurse performing the initial assessment notes that the patient's abdomen is distended and firm, and hypoactive bowel sounds are present. the patient has not had a stool for 3 days. the nurse will contact the provider, who will most likely:

A patient is admitted with lower abdominal pain and nausea. the nurse performing the initial assessment notes that the patient's abdomen is distended and firm, and hypoactive bowel sounds are present. the patient has not had a stool for 3 days. the nurse will contact the provider, who will most likely perform diagnostic tests.