The nurse enters the room of a patient who returned from gastrointestinal surgery 4 hours ago. The patient is alert and oriented and complains of feeling thirsty. Diet orders read, "clear liquids, ad-vance as tolerated."
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
a. Allow the patient to take small sips of wa-ter.
b. Inform the patient she must remain NPO until she has bowel sounds.
c. Ask the patient if she has passed any flatus.
d. Notify the registered nurse.
ANS: A
There does not appear to be an advantage to maintaining patients NPO postoperatively until bowel function returns. If ordered, nutrition can be provided to patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery early postoperatively which may improve their recovery with fewer complications. Because there is an order for liquids and the patient is stable, the RN does not need to be informed prior to giving the fluids.
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