Two days after undergoing surgery for a ruptured appendix, the patient responds to the nurse in only short, clipped statements, becoming visibly frustrated and angry during a routine vital signs check. Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?

The 78-year-old resident of a nursing home is brought to the emergency department for abdominal pain that is not responsive to oxycodone. She takes captopril, atenolol, lovastatin, and glyburide in addition to the oxycodone. Upon assessment, her abdomen is full and mildly tender. She has positive bowel sounds and reports passing gas but no stools for 96 hours. She denies anorexia or vomiting. A digital rectal examination is performed and stool is found in the rectum. The nurse anticipates being ordered to perform which intervention for this patient?  

The patient in the intensive care unit who was intubated with a central venous catheter, peripheral arterial catheter, and chest tube has expired. Which question by the nurse who enters the room to assist the patient care nurse is most appropriate?