A patient is receiving Gabapentin (Neurontin), an anticonvulsant, but has no history of seizures. The nurse expects that the patient is receiving this drug for which condition?

Bowel sounds are the result of muscular contractions in the intestines, indicating the movement of food, fluids, and gas through the gastrointestinal tract. After surgery, the normal function of the intestines, including peristalsis, may be temporarily impaired. As the intestines recover and regain their normal motility, bowel sounds will become audible.

The return of bowel sounds is an encouraging sign that the gastrointestinal system is starting to function again. It indicates that peristaltic activity has resumed and that the intestines are moving and processing the contents within. This is an essential step in the postoperative recovery process, as it indicates the return of normal gastrointestinal function and can lead to the resumption of oral intake and passage of stool.

While the other options may also be associated with the return of GI function, such as feeling hungry or passing flatus or stool, the presence of bowel sounds is a more reliable and direct assessment finding that indicates the resumption of peristaltic activity.

Nausea and vomiting can lead to excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes, including potassium, from the body. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract typically caused by viral or bacterial infections. It is commonly characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. Antibiotics are not typically used to treat viral gastroenteritis and would not directly cause the electrolyte imbalance. Administration of IV Furosemide, a diuretic, would increase urine output but is not typically used to treat gastroenteritis. The fever itself may contribute to fluid loss but would not directly cause the electrolyte imbalance.