A nurse is caring for a patient who is 2 days postoperative from abdominal surgery.
The patient reports discomfort from abdominal distension and flatus. Which of the following suggestions should the nurse include?
Assume a position with legs and rectum lower than the stomach.
Use a straw.
Ambulate several times a day.
Drink cold liquids.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Assuming a position with legs and rectum lower than the stomach is not typically recommended for managing postoperative abdominal discomfort.
Choice B rationale
Using a straw can actually increase the amount of air swallowed, which can contribute to gas and bloating.
Choice C rationale
Ambulation, or walking, is often recommended after abdominal surgery to help reduce gas buildup and stimulate the digestive system.
Choice D rationale
Drinking cold liquids is not specifically recommended for managing postoperative abdominal discomfort. However, staying hydrated is important
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Elevating the patient’s legs on two pillows is not typically a necessary action after a liver biopsy. This position does not directly aid in the recovery or prevention of complications related to a liver biopsy.
Choice B rationale
Positioning the patient on the right side after a liver biopsy is a common nursing intervention. This position applies pressure to the liver biopsy site, which can help minimize bleeding and facilitate clot formation at the biopsy site.
Choice C rationale
Keeping the patient in a high Fowler’s position is not typically recommended after a liver biopsy. This position does not provide direct benefits in terms of recovery or prevention of complications from a liver biopsy.
Choice D rationale
Ambulating the patient twice each shift is not typically recommended immediately after a liver biopsy. Rest is usually advised to allow the liver tissue to heal and to minimize the risk of bleeding.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Dumping syndrome is a common complication after gastric surgery. It is a condition where ingested foods bypass the stomach too rapidly and enter the small intestine largely undigested. It’s called "dumping" because the contents of the stomach are "dumped" into the small intestine too quickly.
Choice B rationale
Hypothyroidism is not typically a complication of gastric surgery. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It is not directly related to gastric surgery.
Choice C rationale
While pulmonary embolism is a potential complication of any surgery due to the risk of blood clots, it is not specific to gastric surgery.
Choice D rationale
Urinary tract infections are not typically a complication of gastric surgery. They occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, and are not directly related to gastric surgery.
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