The nurse is listening for bowel sounds in a postoperative ...

[corkyiscool3328]

The nurse is listening for bowel sounds in a postoperative patient. The bowel sounds are slow, as they are heard only every 3 to 4 minutes. The patient asks the nurse why this is happening. What is the nurse's best response?
 
  a. Anesthesia during surgery and pain medication after surgery may slow peristalsis in the bowel.
  b. Some people have a slower bowel than others, and this is nothing to be concerned about.
  c. The foods you eat contribute to peristalsis, so you should eat more fiber in your diet.
  d. Bowel peristalsis is slow because you are not walking. Get more exercise during the day.

Question 2

During an assessment, the patient states that his bowel movements cause discomfort because the stool is hard and difficult to pass.
 
  As the nurse, you make which of the following suggestions to assist the patient with improving the quality of his bowel movement? (Select all that apply.)
  a. Increase fiber intake.
  b. Increase water consumption.
  c. Decrease physical exercise.
  d. Refrain from alcohol.
  e. Refrain from smoking.

[sarajane1989]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Anesthesia and pain medication used in conjunction with the surgery are affecting the peristalsis of the bowel. Having a slower bowel, eating certain food, or lack of exercise will not have a direct effect on the bowel.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A, B
Increasing fiber assists in adding bulk to the stool. Increasing water assists in softening the stool and moving it through the large intestine. Decreasing exercise will have the opposite effect of slowing bowel movements. Refraining from alcohol and smoking have no direct effect on the quality of bowel movements.

[corkyiscool3328]

Thanks

[sarajane1989]

Welcome