A patient who had abdominal surgery is complaining of "gas pains" and has distention of the abdomen and flatus. To promote patient comfort, the nurse should advise:
lying supine with knees flexed.
early ambulation
turning to the left side.
drinking fluids that are very hot.
The Correct Answer is B
A. Lying supine with knees flexed. Lying supine with knees flexed is a common position that can help relieve abdominal discomfort by relaxing the abdominal muscles and allowing gas to pass more easily.
B. Early ambulation: Early ambulation promotes the movement of gas through the intestines, which helps relieve bloating and discomfort. Moving helps stimulate peristalsis and reduces the risk of constipation or gas accumulation postoperatively.
C. Turning to the left side. Although turning to the left side may help with digestion, early ambulation is the most effective intervention for promoting the passage of gas and alleviating abdominal distention and discomfort.
D. Drinking fluids that are very hot: Hot liquids may irritate the stomach and intestines and are not a recommended strategy for relieving gas pain. Cool or room-temperature fluids are typically better tolerated postoperatively.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Palliative. Palliative surgery aims to relieve symptoms or reduce the size of a tumor without curing the underlying disease. The patient is having part of the tumor removed to relieve pain.
B. Emergency. Emergency surgery is performed in response to a life-threatening situation, such as trauma or acute illness, not for a metastatic tumor causing pain.
C. Diagnostic. Diagnostic surgery is performed to obtain tissue samples for evaluation (e.g., biopsy) to determine the nature of a disease, not to remove part of a tumor.
D. Curative. Curative surgery aims to remove the entire tumor to eliminate the disease, which is not the case here since only part of the tumor is being removed for symptom relief.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Irrigate the indwelling urinary catheter. There is no indication that the catheter is obstructed. Catheter irrigation should only be performed if there is a suspected blockage (e.g., absent urine output, blood clots).
B. Notify the surgeon of the findings. Urine output of less than 30 mL per hour is concerning for decreased renal perfusion, possibly due to hypovolemia or other postoperative complications. The provider should be notified for further evaluation and intervention.
C. Increase the flow rate of the IV for 10 to 15 minutes. Increasing IV fluids may help improve urine output, but it should only be done based on a provider’s order and after assessing the patient’s volume status.
D. Apply manual pressure to the patient's bladder. This action is inappropriate unless the patient has urinary retention, which should be confirmed through assessment before attempting bladder compression
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