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.
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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Slight bleeding of the stoma site: This is typically normal in the immediate postoperative period. It's caused by surgical trauma and should improve with time. However, if it becomes excessive, it should be reported.
B. Purplish colored stoma: A purplish or bluish color of the stoma can be an indication of inadequate blood supply (ischemia). This is a concerning finding and should be reported promptly to the provider.
C. No stool noted in the collection bag: It's normal not to have stool in the collection bag immediately after surgery since the digestive system needs time to resume normal function. This is usually not a concern within the first 12 hours postoperatively. However, if it continues beyond this time frame, it should be reported.
D. Edematous stoma: Some edema or swelling around the stoma site can be normal initially after surgery. However, if the stoma becomes significantly edematous or starts to compromise blood flow, this should be reported to the provider.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Bradycardia
Bradycardia is not a direct symptom of gastrointestinal perforation. When a perforation occurs, the body's response is often to increase the heart rate (tachycardia) due to the stress and shock.
B. Report of epigastric fullness
Epigastric fullness might be a symptom of peptic ulcer disease but is not specific to gastrointestinal perforation.
C. Severe upper abdominal pain
Correct choice. Severe upper abdominal pain, particularly sudden and intense pain, can be indicative of gastrointestinal perforation. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
D. Hyperactive bowel sounds
Gastrointestinal perforation can lead to absent or hypoactive bowel sounds due to inflammation and irritation of the abdominal cavity, not hyperactive bowel sounds.
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