Which assessment finding requires an immediate intervention by the nurse for the patient after surgery for the treatment of gastric cancer?

A. Anorexia is a common symptom after surgery and may be due to the stress of surgery, anesthesia, or the body's adjustment to changes in digestion. While it requires monitoring, it is not an immediate concern unless it worsens or is accompanied by other signs of complications.
B. Mild to moderate pain is expected after surgery, especially following major procedures like gastric cancer surgery. Pain management is important, but it is not usually an immediate concern unless it is severe, unmanageable, or worsens suddenly.
C. Excessive sweating (diaphoresis) after surgery could indicate a serious complication, such as hypovolemic shock, infection, or a cardiovascular event. It is critical for the nurse to assess for other signs, such as low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, or fever, and take immediate action.
D. Nausea can occur after surgery and is a common side effect from anesthesia, pain medications, or the digestive system adjusting. While it requires management, it is typically not as urgent as diaphoresis, unless it is persistent or associated with other concerning symptoms like vomiting or dehydration.

A. While mouth rinses can be helpful for some oral conditions, sodium bicarbonate solutions may not be appropriate for all types of oral lesions, and there are other more effective mouth care strategies for managing painful lesions.
B. This is a key intervention for managing painful oral lesions. Regular mouth care helps to maintain oral hygiene, reduce the risk of infection, and decrease discomfort while eating. It also promotes healing and prevents further complications.
C. While assessing pain is important, doing it just once a shift may not be sufficient. The nurse should assess pain more frequently, especially before and after meals, as pain from oral lesions can significantly impact a client’s ability to eat.
D. Offering small, frequent meals is typically more effective in improving nutrition for clients with painful oral lesions. The client may be more willing to eat smaller amounts rather than large meals, especially if pain is a significant issue.