The nurse is caring for a patient who is recovering from bowel resection surgery. Which assessment findings indicate to the nurse that the patient no longer needs to remain NPO and may progress to oral intake of food and fluids? (Select all that apply.)
a. The patient passed flatus while ambulating this morning.
b. The patient's abdomen is soft with active bowel sounds x 4 quadrants.
c. The patient denies nausea or vomiting and states that he feels hungry.
d. The patient's abdominal incision is clean, dry, and intact with staples.
e. The patient ambulated in the hallway with a slow, steady gait.
f.
The patient's urinary catheter is patent with clear, yellow urine.
ANS: A, B, C
The patient may indicate readiness for oral intake when passing flatus and relating feelings of hunger. The absence of nausea and vomiting along with active bowel sounds in a soft abdomen also indicate that the patient's GI tract is ready for oral feedings.
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