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Discussion

Bowel sounds after surgery

How often do you auscultate bowels sounds after abdominal surgery? I have this question that I need help with...

A patient has developed a paralytic ileus following abdominal surgery with anastomosis to correct a small bowel obstruction. Which of the following is the most important nursing consideration in caring for this patient?

[TABLE]

[TR]

[TD][/TD]

[TD]A.[/TD]

[TD] ensure that the patient tolerates a clear liquid diet

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD][/TD]

[TD]B.[/TD]

[TD]maintain the patient on strict bedrest

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD][/TD]

[TD]C.[/TD]

[TD]monitor bowel sounds every hour

[/TD]

[/TR]

[TR]

[TD][/TD]

[TD]D.[/TD]

[TD]ensure that the nasogastric tube is functioning

I know that the ng tube needs to be functioning but everything I find has assess bowel sounds first. Every hour just seems too frequent.

Help

[/TD]

[/TR]

[/TABLE]

  • Quote

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    Monitoring bowel sounds every hour wouldn't resolve the issue because the patient has already developed paralytic illus. So what would you do about it. That's why D is the best answer

  • Quote

    My initial thought was D- the functioning NG tube. Always think back to the ABCs- airway, breathing, circulation. NG tubes are used to suction and prevent vomiting which protects the airway (aspirating on vomit has horrible outcomes). Monitoring for bowel sounds is important, but in my opinion isn't the most important.

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