Your client has been back to the unit after surgery for about 8 hours. You know you need to prevent the development of postoperative paralytic ileus. The most appropriate nursing intervention to prevent development of postoperative paralytic ileus when caring for a postsurgical client is which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Encouraging ambulation is the most appropriate nursing intervention to prevent the development of postoperative paralytic ileus. This is because getting the client up and moving helps to stimulate peristalsis and prevent the pooling of secretions and fluids in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to ileus. Progressive activity can also be encouraged, but ambulation specifically is the most effective intervention. Reporting large amounts of emesis and administering bulk-forming laxatives may be important interventions for other postoperative complications, but they do not directly prevent the development of paralytic ileus.

Your Client Has Been Back to the Unit After Surgery