The nurse is caring for a patient admitted with a possible bowel obstruction. Which patient symptom should cause the nurse the most concern?

Choice A rationale
After a subtotal gastrectomy, the patient’s diet will need to be modified. They will need to eat pureed foods and liquids for 3 weeks after the surgery. They may also need to use liquid nutritional supplements recommended by a healthcare provider to make sure they get enough calories.
Choice B rationale
Medication management is crucial after a subtotal gastrectomy. The patient will need to take their medicines in crushed or liquid form for 3 weeks after surgery.
Choice C rationale
Awareness of signs of complications is important for the patient after a subtotal gastrectomy. Complications can include infection, redness, swelling inside the belly (peritonitis) that can occur if the appendix bursts during surgery, blocked bowels, and injury to nearby organs.
Choice D rationale
Understanding the importance of follow-up appointments is crucial for the patient after a subtotal gastrectomy. Regular follow-ups allow the healthcare provider to monitor the patient’s recovery and address any potential issues promptly.

Choice A rationale

Pain is a subjective experience and can be expressed both verbally and nonverbally. It is important for the nurse to be attentive to both types of expressions to effectively manage the patient’s pain.
Choice B rationale
While it is true that opioids should be used with caution due to the risk of addiction, this statement can be misleading. Opioids are often necessary for managing postoperative pain, and the risk of addiction is low when they are used appropriately and under medical supervision.
Choice C rationale
Considering the patient’s individual expression of pain is crucial in pain management. Pain is a subjective experience and can vary greatly between individuals. Tailoring pain management strategies to the individual patient can improve pain control.
Choice D rationale
Using a pain scale is a common and effective way to monitor the severity of a patient’s pain. It provides a quantifiable measure of pain that can be used to guide treatment decisions.