A client who is recovering from abdominal surgery reports feeling discomfort and bloating. Upon further assessment, the nurse notes hypoactive bowel sounds and no bowel movement in the past three days. What is the nurse's most appropriate intervention to address this condition?
Administer a laxative to relieve the discomfort.
Manage oral fluid intake to avoid abdominal distension.
Encourage the client to increase ambulation.
Offer an enema to reduce the feelings of bloating.
The correct answer is increasing ambulation, as it helps stimulate peristalsis and promotes natural bowel motility, which is often slowed after surgery. This is a first-line, non-invasive intervention that prioritizes the client's safety while addressing the issue effectively. Administering a laxative or offering an enema might be considered later if conservative measures like increased activity and hydration fail but are not initial steps. Managing oral fluid intake to avoid abdominal distension is incorrect because limiting fluids can exacerbate constipation rather than resolving it.
Ask Bash
Bash is our AI bot, trained to help you pass your exam. AI Generated Content may display inaccurate information, always double-check anything important.
Why does ambulation help with bowel motility after surgery?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are hypoactive bowel sounds and what do they indicate?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
What are some other non-invasive interventions for constipation after surgery?
Open an interactive chat with Bash
NCLEX RN
Physiological Integrity
Your Score:
Report Issue
Bash, the Crucial Exams Chat Bot
AI Bot
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Nursing and Medical Assistants Package Join Premium for Full Access