A nurse is teaching a group of newly licensed nurses on effective techniques for counseling clients about sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason:
Bowel sounds are an important assessment to determine the return of gastrointestinal function after surgery. However, they are not the immediate priority following a cholecystectomy. The nurse will monitor bowel sounds to assess for ileus or obstruction, but this comes after ensuring that the patient's vital signs are stable.

Choice B reason:
Oxygen saturation is the priority assessment for a client being admitted from the PACU following a cholecystectomy. Ensuring adequate oxygenation is crucial after anesthesia, as respiratory function can be compromised. Monitoring oxygen saturation helps to detect hypoxemia early and prevent respiratory complications.

Choice C reason:
Inspecting the surgical dressing is necessary to check for signs of bleeding or infection at the surgical site. However, this is not the first priority upon admission from the PACU. The nurse will assess the dressing after vital signs and oxygen saturation have been addressed.

Choice D reason:
Temperature is an important vital sign that can indicate infection or other postoperative complications. However, the immediate priority is to ensure the client's airway and breathing are adequate, which includes assessing oxygen saturation before temperature.

Choice A reason:
Abdominal distention can be a sign of delayed return of peristalsis or ileus, especially when accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or lack of bowel movement. It is not typically a sign that peristalsis is returning.

Choice B reason:
A request for a cup of tea and some toast may indicate that the client is feeling better and is hungry, which can be a good sign. However, it is not a definitive clinical indicator of the return of peristalsis. The desire to eat does not necessarily mean that the digestive system is ready to process food.

Choice C reason:
Hypoactive bowel sounds in two quadrants may indicate that peristalsis is present but weak. While this could be a sign that peristalsis is starting to return, it is not as strong an indicator as the passage of flatus or stool.

Choice D reason:
The passage of flatus is a clear sign that peristalsis is returning. It indicates that gas is moving through the intestines, which is a function of peristalsis. This is often one of the first signs that the gastrointestinal system is recovering after surgery.