What complications should the nurse look for in someone with gastric surgery?

Choice A rationale
While allowing grieving is an important aspect of holistic care for a client with esophageal cancer, it is not the priority nursing intervention. Emotional support and counseling are crucial, but they do not take precedence over interventions aimed at maintaining the client’s physical health.
Choice B rationale
Preventing aspiration is the priority nursing intervention for a client with esophageal cancer. Aspiration, or the inhalation of food, stomach acid, or saliva into the lungs, can lead to pneumonia and other serious complications. Therefore, measures to prevent aspiration, such as educating the client on safe swallowing techniques, elevating the head of the bed during meals, and monitoring for signs of aspiration, are crucial.
Choice C rationale
Managing pain relief is an important aspect of care for a client with esophageal cancer, but it is not the priority nursing intervention. Pain management strategies, such as administering prescribed analgesics and providing comfort measures, are part of a comprehensive care plan

but do not take precedence over interventions aimed at preventing immediate life-threatening complications like aspiration.
Choice D rationale
Maintaining nutritional intake is an important aspect of care for a client with esophageal cancer, but it is not the priority nursing intervention. Nutritional support, such as providing a balanced diet, encouraging small frequent meals, and possibly arranging for a consultation with a dietitian, are important but do not take precedence over interventions aimed at preventing immediate life-threatening complications like aspiration.

Choice A rationale
Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) is a protein used as a tumor marker, particularly for cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. It is not directly related to volume depletion caused by gastrointestinal illnesses.
Choice B rationale
B12 level is important for nerve function and the formation of red blood cells. It is not directly related to volume depletion caused by gastrointestinal illnesses.
Choice C rationale
Electrolyte imbalance is the correct answer. Gastrointestinal illnesses often cause symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to significant loss of fluids and electrolytes.
Monitoring electrolyte levels is crucial in these cases to prevent complications related to volume depletion.

Choice D rationale
Hemoglobin level is an indicator of the amount of oxygen-carrying protein in the blood. While it is an important lab value, it is not the most relevant in the context of volume depletion due to gastrointestinal illnesses.