The nasogastric (NG) tube is removed on the second postoperative day, and the patient is placed on a clear liquid diet. Four hours later, the patient complains of sharp, cramping gas pains. What action by the nurse is the most appropriate?
a. Reinsert the NG tube.
b. Give the PRN IV opioid.
c. Assist the patient to ambulate.
d. Place the patient on NPO status.
ANS: C
Ambulation encourages peristalsis and the passing of flatus, which will relieve the patient's discomfort. If distention persists, the patient may need to be placed on NPO status, but usually this is not necessary. Morphine administration will further decrease intestinal motility. Gas pains are usually caused by trapping of flatus in the colon, and reinsertion of the NG tube will not relieve the pains.
You might also like to view...
The nurse clarifies to a primigravida that her pelvis is of the android type, which usually means the delivery will be a _______________
Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
A nurse needs to begin resuscitation of an injured client. Which of the following interventions carries a risk of spinal injury?
A) Head tilt technique B) Chin lift technique C) Jaw-thrust technique D) Rescue breathing technique
A patient with a T-2 injury is in spinal shock. The nurse will expect to observe what assessment finding?
A) Absence of reflexes along with flaccid extremities B) Positive Babinski's reflex along with spastic extremities C) Hyperreflexia along with spastic extremities D) Spasticity of all four extremities
Ordered: an insulin mix—Humulin R 4 units, subcut AM and PM; Humulin N 26 units, 30 minutes before meals
a. Is Humulin N a rapid-, intermediate-, or long-acting insulin? b. Which type of insulin should the nurse withdraw first for the mix: Humulin R or Humulin N? State the reason for this decision. c. Mark the total dose. Indicate the Humulin R and Humulin N doses with arrows.