A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative from abdominal surgery. The client reports discomfort from abdominal distension and flatus. Which of the following suggestions should the nurse include?

Assume position with legs and rectum lower than the stomach.

Drink cold liquids.

Ambulate several times a day.

Use a straw.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Assume position with legs and rectum lower than the stomach.

Explanation: This position helps gas move through the intestines more effectively, relieving abdominal distension and promoting the passage of flatus. It's a commonly recommended position for patients experiencing discomfort due to abdominal gas.
B. Drink cold liquids.

Explanation: Drinking cold liquids might not directly help with abdominal distension and flatus. Warm liquids, on the other hand, can sometimes promote digestion and relieve gas discomfort.
C. Ambulate several times a day.

Explanation: Ambulation or walking encourages movement in the intestines, aiding in the passage of gas. It also promotes overall bowel function and can help prevent postoperative complications like atelectasis and deep vein thrombosis.
D. Use a straw.

Explanation: Using a straw doesn't have a direct impact on relieving abdominal distension or flatus. It's more relevant for patients who might have difficulty drinking directly from a glass due to medical conditions or after certain types of surgeries

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. To remove gastric acid that might cause dyspepsia:
This statement is not accurate. Measuring gastric residuals is not done to remove gastric acid but rather to ensure that the previous feeding has been digested and moved into the intestines before the next feeding is administered.

B. To identify delayed gastric emptying:This is the correct purpose. Measuring gastric residual helps assess whether the stomach is properly emptying its contents. High residual volumes can indicate delayed gastric emptying, which can increase the risk of aspiration and other complications during enteral feeding.

C. To determine the client's electrolyte balance:
Measuring gastric residuals is not used to assess the client's overall electrolyte balance. Electrolyte balance is typically assessed through blood tests and clinical evaluations, not by checking gastric residuals.

D. To confirm the placement of the NG tube:
Although verifying NG tube placement is critical before feeding, this is typically done by checking the tube’s external length, aspirating gastric contents, and confirming placement through pH testing or an X-ray, not by measuring gastric residual.

A. Keep the head of the bed elevated at 15 degrees. B. Place enough formula in the feeding bag to last for 8 hr of continuous feeding C. Flush the tube with 30 ml of water every 4 hr. D. Change the feeding bag and tubing every 72 hr.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Keep the head of the bed elevated at 15 degrees.

This is not sufficient for preventing aspiration and ensuring proper digestion. The head of the bed should be elevated at least 30 degrees to reduce the risk of aspiration and promote better digestion of enteral feedings.

B. Place enough formula in the feeding bag to last for 8 hr of continuous feeding: It is recommended to change the feeding formula and bag every 24 hours. Placing formula for an extended period can increase the risk of bacterial growth.

C. Flush the tube with 30 ml of water every 4 hr: Regular flushing of the tube helps maintain patency, prevents clogging, and ensures proper hydration. Flushing every 4 hours is a standard practice for continuous feeding.

D. Change the feeding bag and tubing every 72 hr: Feeding bags and tubing should be changed more frequently, typically every 24 hours, to reduce the risk of infection.

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A nurse is caring for a client who is 2 days postoperative from abdominal surgery. The client reports discomfort from abdominal distension and flatus. Which of the following suggestions should the nurse include?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who receives intermittent enteral feedings through an NG tube. Before administering a feeding, the nurse should measure the gastric residual for which of the following purposes?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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