A patient in a body cast reports nausea, vomiting, and epigastric pain. the nurse notifies the physician for orders. Which intervention is the most conservative, and therefore the first thing to try, to address this patient's symptoms?
a) Insert a nasogastric tube and attach to low wall suction.
b) Cut a window over the abdominal area of the cast.
c) Obtain an order for an x-ray to diagnose a paralytic ileus.
d) Administer prn antiemetic and prn pain medication.
Answer: b) Cut a window over the abdominal area of the cast.
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