The nurse understands that paralytic ileus is a possible postoperative complication. Which assessment provides the nurse with information about this postoperative complication?
a. Auscultating for bowel sounds every 4 hours
b. Checking blood pressure while sitting and standing
c. Observing the patient's performance of leg exercises
d. Palpating the suprapubic region for distention
A
Paralytic ileus can develop as a common complication after bowel or abdominal surgery. Intestinal motility may return slowly, depending on anesthetic effects. Assess for bowel
sounds and flatus every 4 hours. A blood pressure check has little to do with paralytic ileus and is an assessment done before ambulation. Leg exercises may help prevent venous stasis and thrombosis, but observing them will not help you to detect a paralytic ileus. Palpation of the suprapubic region is part of the assessment for bladder distention.
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