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?

Choice A rationale
While administering pain medication may provide temporary relief, it does not address the underlying issue of a perforated ulcer, which is a medical emergency.
Choice B rationale

Preparing the client for surgery is the priority action for a nurse when a perforated ulcer is suspected. A perforated ulcer is a medical emergency that often requires immediate surgery.
Choice C rationale
Initiating IV fluid resuscitation may be part of the management for a suspected perforated ulcer, but it is not the first priority. The first priority is to stabilize the patient and prepare for possible surgery.
Choice D rationale
Obtaining a stat abdominal X-ray may help confirm the diagnosis of a perforated ulcer, but it is not the first priority. The first priority is to stabilize the patient and prepare for possible surgery.

Choice A rationale
High-fat meals can exacerbate symptoms of gallbladder disease or pancreatitis, but they are not typically associated with peptic ulcer disease.
Choice B rationale
Relief of pain after a bowel movement is more indicative of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or inflammatory bowel disease, not peptic ulcer disease.
Choice C rationale
Peptic ulcer disease is characterized by a gnawing or burning pain that can be relieved by eating. This is because food neutralizes the stomach acid temporarily. However, the pain often returns after the food has been digested.
Choice D rationale

Pain radiating to the lower back can be a symptom of conditions such as pancreatitis or gallstones, but it is not typically associated with peptic ulcer disease.