A client is recovering from a cholecystectomy and reports feeling nauseous and experiencing episodes of vomiting. The nurse reviews the client's medication history and notes that opioid analgesics were administered for postoperative pain. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement to address this issue?

Choice A reason:

This statement is correct. Administering an antiemetic medication can help alleviate nausea and vomiting, which are common side effects of opioid analgesics used for postoperative pain management.

Choice B reason:

Eating a high-fat diet is not recommended after cholecystectomy, as the gallbladder has been removed. Consuming high-fat foods may exacerbate symptoms and lead to digestive discomfort.

Choice C reason:

While nausea and vomiting can be common after surgery, it is important to address these symptoms to ensure the client's comfort and prevent dehydration or other complications.

Choice D reason:

Requesting additional opioids to manage pain may worsen the nausea and vomiting. It is essential to balance pain management with measures to minimize side effects like nausea.

A. Mild, intermittent right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain is more characteristic of chronic cholecystitis rather than acute cholecystitis, which typically presents with severe pain.
B. Left lower quadrant (LLQ) pain with rebound tenderness is more indicative of conditions like diverticulitis, not acute cholecystitis.
C. Severe, colicky abdominal pain radiating to the right shoulder is the most common presentation of acute cholecystitis, often caused by gallbladder inflammation and obstruction of the cystic duct. The pain is due to irritation of the phrenic nerve, which supplies both the gallbladder and right shoulder.
D. Epigastric pain worsened by fatty meals is often seen in gallbladder disease but is more characteristic of biliary colic rather than acute cholecystitis.