The nurse is conducting a follow-up call to a patient who had an exploratory laparoscopic surgical procedure 36 hours ago. The patient reports feeling shoulder pain. How should the nurse respond?
1. "The surgical table is famous for causing patients shoulder pain after procedures."
2. "You are likely not sleeping well, which can lead to shoulder discomfort."
3. "This pain is caused by the gases used during the surgical procedure."
4. "This pain should go away soon."
Correct Answer: 3
When performing a laparoscopic surgery the physician uses carbon dioxide to raise the organs and improve visualization. This often results in shoulder discomfort during the postoperative period. The surgical table is not the most likely source of the patient's discomfort. The patient may not be sleeping well in the days after surgery, but this is not the most logical reason for the shoulder discomfort. The pain will subside, but this response does not address the educational needs of the patient.
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