The nurse is planning preoperative care for a client who has a fractured wrist. Which of the following should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

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.

The correct answer is: a, b, c, and e.

Choice A: “I will make sure to feel for changes in my underarm area.”

Reason: This statement is correct because the underarm area (axilla) contains lymph nodes that can be affected by breast cancer. Including the underarm area in a breast self-exam helps in detecting any unusual lumps or changes that could indicate a problem.

Choice B: “It is important to press firmly when feeling my breasts to detect changes.”

Reason: This statement is correct because using firm pressure during a breast self-exam helps to feel the deeper tissues of the breast, which is essential for detecting any abnormalities or lumps that might be present.

Choice C: “I don’t have to lie down to check my breasts. I can stand in the shower.”

Reason: This statement is correct because performing a breast self-exam in the shower is a common and effective method. The wet and slippery skin makes it easier to feel for any changes or lumps in the breast tissue.

Choice D: “If I feel a firm ridge in the lower curve of my breasts, I should report this immediately.”

Reason: This statement is incorrect because it is normal to feel a firm ridge in the lower curve of the breast. This ridge is part of the normal breast anatomy and does not necessarily indicate a problem.

Choice E: “Since I no longer have periods, I can perform an examination at any time of the month.”

Reason: This statement is correct because menopausal women do not have menstrual cycles to guide the timing of their breast self-exams. Therefore, they can choose any consistent day each month to perform the exam.