After vertical banded gastroplasty, a 42-year-old male patient returns to the surgical nursing unit with a nasogastric tube to low, intermittent suction and a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) machine for pain control. Which nursing action should be included in the postoperative plan of care?
a. Offer sips of fruit juices at frequent intervals.
b. Irrigate the nasogastric (NG) tube frequently.
c. Remind the patient that PCA use may slow the return of bowel function.
d. Support the surgical incision during patient coughing and turning in bed.
d. Support the surgical incision during patient coughing and turning in bed.
The incision should be protected from strain to decrease the risk for wound dehiscence. The patient should be encouraged to use the PCA because pain control will improve the cough effort and patient mobility. NG irrigation may damage the suture line or overfill the stomach pouch. Sugar-free clear liquids are offered during the immediate postoperative time to decrease the risk for dumping syndrome.
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Currently the most important component of an evaluation program for health care is
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