A patient who had abdominal surgery is complaining of "gas pains" and has distention of the abdomen and flatus. To promote patient comfort, the nurse should advise:
lying supine with knees flexed.
early ambulation
turning to the left side.
drinking fluids that are very hot.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Lying supine with knees flexed. Lying supine with knees flexed is a common position that can help relieve abdominal discomfort by relaxing the abdominal muscles and allowing gas to pass more easily.
B. Early ambulation: Early ambulation promotes the movement of gas through the intestines, which helps relieve bloating and discomfort. Moving helps stimulate peristalsis and reduces the risk of constipation or gas accumulation postoperatively.
C. Turning to the left side. Although turning to the left side may help with digestion, early ambulation is the most effective intervention for promoting the passage of gas and alleviating abdominal distention and discomfort.
D. Drinking fluids that are very hot: Hot liquids may irritate the stomach and intestines and are not a recommended strategy for relieving gas pain. Cool or room-temperature fluids are typically better tolerated postoperatively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","E"]
Explanation
A. Dry crust on the incision line.
Dry crust on the incision line could indicate that the wound is healing well, but it is not typically a sign of infection. Infection is more commonly associated with redness, warmth, and drainage. A dry crust does not automatically suggest infection.
B. Increased urine output.
Increased urine output is generally a sign of good hydration or adequate kidney function, not an indication of infection. Infection would more likely present with a fever or abnormal wound appearance, not increased urine output.
C. Decreased level of consciousness.
A decreased level of consciousness can be a sign of sepsis, an infection that has spread throughout the body. This is a serious indicator of possible infection, especially if it is sudden or unexplained in the postoperative period.
D. Adventitious breath sounds.
Adventitious breath sounds could be a sign of a respiratory infection or complications such as pneumonia, but they are not necessarily linked to infection at the surgical site. If the sounds are related to infection, this could be a sign of a lower respiratory tract infection.
E. Oral temperature of 38.3° C (101° F).
An oral temperature of 38.3° C (101° F) is a fever, which is a classic sign of infection. Fever is a common early sign of infection in the postoperative period and should be promptly addressed to rule out surgical site infection or other complications.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
General anesthesia involves the administration of inhaled or intravenous agents that induce unconsciousness, analgesia, and muscle relaxation. Nerve blocks (spinal, caudal, epidural, and peripheral blocks) are forms of regional anesthesia, not general anesthesia.
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