A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client 48 hr following cesarean birth. Which of the following nonpharmacologic interventions should the nurse include to reduce pain from intestinal gas?

Choice A reason: The nurse should include the statement that "This test measures amniotic fluid volume” in the teaching about the biophysical profile (BPP). The rationale for this is that the BPP is a prenatal screening tool that assesses the well-being of the fetus. One of the components of the BPP is the measurement of amniotic fluid volume, which helps to evaluate fetal kidney function and overall fetal health.

Choice B reason:

The nurse should not include the statement about receiving Rh(D) immune globulin prior to the test because it is not directly related to the biophysical profile (BPP). Rh(D) immune globulin is given to Rh-negative pregnant women to prevent hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) if the fetus is Rh-positive. While this may be important information during pregnancy, it is not specific to the BPP.

Choice C reason:

The nurse should not include the statement that "This test is used to assess uterine activity” in the teaching about the BPP. The BPP is a test focused on evaluating fetal well-being and not uterine activity. Uterine activity is typically assessed through other methods, such as monitoring contractions during labor.

Choice D reason:

The correct answer is not Choice D. The nurse should not include the statement that "Your bladder needs to be full to perform this test” in the teaching about the BPP. This statement is incorrect because a full bladder is not necessary for the BPP. Instead, the BPP involves the use of ultrasound to assess fetal movements, breathing, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid volume, and a full bladder is not a requirement for this assessment.

Abdominal distention. Choice A reason:

Abdominal distention is a common manifestation of Hirschsprung's disease in infants. This condition is characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in the distal segment of the colon, leading to a functional obstruction. The absence of ganglion cells causes the affected part of the colon to become narrow and unable to relax, resulting in a buildup of stool and gas, leading to abdominal distention.

Choice B reason:

Steatorrhea, which is the presence of fatty, bulky, and foul-smelling stools, is not typically associated with Hirschsprung's disease. This manifestation is more commonly seen in conditions affecting the pancreas, liver, or small intestine, where the digestion and absorption of fats are impaired.

Choice C reason:

Blood-tinged emesis (vomiting) is not a typical manifestation of Hirschsprung's disease. This symptom is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be caused by various factors such as ulcers, esophageal varices, or gastritis.

Choice D reason:

Dysphagia, which refers to difficulty swallowing, is also not a characteristic manifestation of Hirschsprung's disease. Dysphagia is more commonly seen in conditions affecting the esophagus or throat, such as esophageal strictures or neurological disorders affecting swallowing reflexes.