A patient is receiving Gabapentin (Neurontin), an anticonvulsant, but has no history of seizures. The nurse expects that the patient is receiving this drug for which condition?

Pain and coldness in the fingers following AVG placement can indicate impaired blood flow or compromised circulation to the hand. This may be due to complications such as thrombosis (clot formation), graft malfunction, or decreased arterial perfusion. These symptoms should be taken seriously and promptly communicated to the healthcare provider.
The healthcare provider needs to evaluate the patient's symptoms, assess the AVG, and determine the appropriate course of action. Prompt intervention can help prevent further complications and ensure adequate blood flow to the fingers.

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Bowel sounds are the result of muscular contractions in the intestines, indicating the movement of food, fluids, and gas through the gastrointestinal tract. After surgery, the normal function of the intestines, including peristalsis, may be temporarily impaired. As the intestines recover and regain their normal motility, bowel sounds will become audible.

The return of bowel sounds is an encouraging sign that the gastrointestinal system is starting to function again. It indicates that peristaltic activity has resumed and that the intestines are moving and processing the contents within. This is an essential step in the postoperative recovery process, as it indicates the return of normal gastrointestinal function and can lead to the resumption of oral intake and passage of stool.

While the other options may also be associated with the return of GI function, such as feeling hungry or passing flatus or stool, the presence of bowel sounds is a more reliable and direct assessment finding that indicates the resumption of peristaltic activity.