Following a cesarean birth, a patient is prescribed to receive intravenous fluids. At which time should the nurse anticipate that this patient will be able to resume an oral intake?

Question

A) 24 hours postprocedure
B) 48 hours postprocedure
C) When bladder tone returns
D) When bowel sounds return

Answer 1

D
Feedback:
Patients are kept at "nothing by mouth" status for a period of time after surgery until intestinal peristalsis has returned. To establish this is returning, the patient's abdomen should be assessed at least once every 8 hours for bowel sounds because this demonstrates air and fluid are moving through the intestines. As soon as bowel sounds return, IV fluid therapy is usually discontinued and the patient can slowly begin oral intake with fluids. Oral intake may or may not be permitted 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Oral intake is not contingent on bladder tone.