A nurse is teaching a client who has multiple sclerosis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Rationale:

A. Assist the client to ambulate: Ambulation is encouraged after a laparoscopic cholecystectomy to stimulate peristalsis and help relieve abdominal distention caused by retained gas from insufflation during the procedure. It promotes bowel movement and absorption of gas, improving comfort.

B. Prepare the client for a paracentesis: Paracentesis is used to remove fluid from the peritoneal cavity, typically in clients with ascites or severe fluid retention. Abdominal distention after this procedure is usually due to gas, not fluid.

C. Insert a rectal suppository: Suppositories may stimulate bowel movements but are not the first-line intervention for post-laparoscopic gas-related distention. Encouraging natural movement through ambulation is more effective and less invasive initially.

D. Place the client in the prone position: The prone position is not typically used for relieving abdominal distention. It may cause discomfort and does not aid in gas movement through the intestines as effectively as upright or walking positions.

Rationale:

A. Clamp the chest tube every 2 hr to assess the amount of drainage: Clamping a chest tube is not routine and can lead to tension pneumothorax by preventing air or fluid from escaping the pleural space. It should only be done briefly and under specific provider direction.

B. Add water to the water seal chamber as it evaporates: Water in the water seal chamber may evaporate over time and should be maintained at the prescribed level to preserve the one-way seal. This ensures proper functioning of the chest drainage system.

C. Mark the drainage output on the collection chamber: Marking the drainage level at regular intervals allows for accurate monitoring of output trends, which can help detect complications like hemorrhage or increased fluid accumulation.

D. Maintain the collection chamber above the level of the client's waist: The collection chamber should be kept below the level of the chest to promote gravity drainage. Elevating it above the waist can allow fluid or air to flow back into the pleural space.

E. Strip the chest tube vigorously to dislodge blood clots: Stripping is not recommended as it creates high negative pressure that may damage lung tissue. If clots are suspected, milking the tube gently or other interventions should be discussed with the provider.