kas, 29 years old, presents to the triage nurse at the local emergency department,
complaining of severe general;ized abdominal pain. She describes the pain as sharp and intermittent. She states, "Over the last four days, I have not been able to have a bowel movement." She states that she is able to drink liquids and is urinating without difficulty. Bowel sounds are present in all four quadrants, however, they are hypoactive (decreased or quiet peristalsis).