After having a vertical sleeve gastrectomy performed, a 42-year-old male client returns to the surgical nursing unit with a nasogastric tube to low, intermittent suction and a client-controlled analgesia (PCA) machine for pain control. Which nursing action should be included in the post-op plan of care for the first 24 hours?

Teach the client to support the surgical site while deep breathing and coughing

Teach that PCA use may slow the return of bowel function, so the client should not overuse it

Irrigate and reposition the NGT frequently

Offer cups of fruit juices at frequent intervals

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A.   Teach the client to support the surgical site while deep breathing and coughing: This action is appropriate as it helps prevent complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia by promoting lung expansion and clearing secretions. Supporting the surgical site while deep breathing and coughing helps reduce pain and discomfort during these activities.
B.   This is an important teaching point for clients using PCA for pain control after surgery. Opioid medications used in PCA can lead to gastrointestinal motility issues, including constipation. However, pain management is central within the first 24 hours post operation.
C.   Irrigating and repositioning the NGT frequently can increase the risk of complications such as displacement or irritation of the surgical site. NGT care should be performed as needed based on institutional protocols and the client's condition.

D.   The client's diet will likely be advanced gradually, starting with clear fluids and progressing to full liquids and then solid foods as tolerated. Fruit juices may be introduced gradually as part of the liquid diet once the client's gastrointestinal function has recovered sufficiently.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Teach the client to support the surgical site while deep breathing and coughing: This action is appropriate as it helps prevent complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia by promoting lung expansion and clearing secretions. Supporting the surgical site while deep breathing and coughing helps reduce pain and discomfort during these activities.
B. This is an important teaching point for clients using PCA for pain control after surgery. Opioid medications used in PCA can lead to gastrointestinal motility issues, including constipation. However, pain management is central within the first 24 hours post operation.
C. Irrigating and repositioning the NGT frequently can increase the risk of complications such as displacement or irritation of the surgical site. NGT care should be performed as needed based on institutional protocols and the client's condition.

D. The client's diet will likely be advanced gradually, starting with clear fluids and progressing to full liquids and then solid foods as tolerated. Fruit juices may be introduced gradually as part of the liquid diet once the client's gastrointestinal function has recovered sufficiently.

A. Sit the client up and provide supplemental oxygen B. Contact the physician and obtain an arterial blood gas C. Explain that this is an expected finding after surgery D. Encourage the use of the incentive spirometer

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Sit the client up and provide supplemental oxygen is the correct priority intervention. Chest pain and shortness of breath can be indicative of pulmonary embolism or other respiratory complications, which require immediate attention. Sitting the client up helps improve respiratory mechanics, and providing supplemental oxygen can support oxygenation while further assessments are conducted.
B. While contacting the physician and obtaining an arterial blood gas may be necessary to assess respiratory status and oxygenation, it is not the immediate priority. The client's symptoms require immediate intervention to ensure adequate oxygenation and prevent further deterioration.
C. Chest pain and shortness of breath are not typically expected findings after bariatric surgery and could indicate serious complications. It is essential not to dismiss the client's symptoms but to take them seriously and initiate appropriate interventions.
D. While the use of an incentive spirometer is important for preventing respiratory complications after surgery, it is not the priority intervention in this situation. The client's current symptoms require immediate attention to address potential respiratory distress or other serious complications.

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