The nurse enters the room of a patient who returned from gastrointestinal surgery 4 hours ago. The patient is alert and oriented and complains of feeling thirsty. Diet orders read, "clear liquids, advance as tolerated." Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Clear liquids are typically allowed after gastrointestinal surgery, and the patient's complaint of thirst indicates a need for hydration. It is important for the nurse to encourage the patient to take small sips of water or ice chips to prevent dehydration. However, the nurse should monitor the patient for any signs of nausea or vomiting before advancing the diet further.

The Nurse Enters the Room of a Patient Who Returned