In need some interventions for post surgical abdominal distension

[puppyrules]

I need some interventions for post surgical abdominal distension. I think to provide the patient with comfort, having him lie in a lateral recumbant position will take some of the pressure off, but are there any other idea's out there?

This is a common problem, but I have found very little in the literature (both online and in my text books) that address it.

Please help! Thank you...

[mlok]

1 of the causes of post op abdominal distension could be paralytic ileus. Try looking for interventions for that.

[pednursedeb]

Depends on the surgery. The best thing for abd. distention is to get the pt. up and walking as soon as possible. If not contraindicated a heating pad will sometimes relieve the discomfort, not the distention. If they have bowel sounds and are not passing gas then they are going to have some distention. You would have to be more specific to get more answers.

[leslie :-D]

If they have bowel sounds and are not passing gas then they are going to have some distention.

rectal tube, which will relieve the gas.

always works.

leslie

[RNperdiem, RN]

Check the NG tube if a patient has one. If the NG is supposed to be to low wall suction, check that the suction is actually on.