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

Choice A rationale
Calling for pain medication before the previous dose wears off is an effective strategy for managing postoperative pain. This approach helps maintain a consistent level of pain control, which can enhance comfort and facilitate recovery.

Choice B rationale
Waiting for the nurse to evaluate the pain before asking for more medication can result in periods of uncontrolled pain, which can hinder recovery. Pain should be managed proactively, not reactively.
Choice C rationale
Calling for pain medication as the pain becomes intolerable is not an effective pain management strategy. Pain should be controlled before it reaches this level.
Choice D rationale
Asking for less medication to avoid addiction is not a recommended approach to pain management. While it’s important to use opioids judiciously, under-treating pain can hinder recovery and lead to unnecessary suffering. PancreatitisPancreatitis Explore

Choice A rationale
Consuming large meals can exacerbate GERD symptoms. Smaller, more frequent meals are recommended to reduce the volume of food in the stomach at any one time, thereby reducing the pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter.
Choice B rationale
Identifying and avoiding foods that cause discomfort is a key strategy in managing GERD. Foods that commonly trigger GERD symptoms include fatty foods, spicy foods, acidic foods, and caffeine.
Choice C rationale

Using pillows to elevate the head and upper body during sleep can help prevent nighttime GERD symptoms. Gravity helps keep stomach acid in the stomach, reducing the chance of it flowing back into the esophagus.
Choice D rationale
Lying down after a meal can exacerbate GERD symptoms. It is recommended to wait at least three hours after eating before lying down.