A patient has undergone a colectomy for colon cancer The MD has kept the patient NPO for 4 days post op What is the likely cause of this order?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

After surgery, it is common for patients to experience post-operative ileus, which is the temporary cessation of bowel function. This can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and delayed gastric emptying. Keeping the patient NPO for a period of time can help to prevent these symptoms and allow the bowel to recover. Bowel rest (choice A) and optimal bowel adaptation (choice B) are not typically reasons for keeping a patient NPO for this length of time, and pain management (choice C) can be addressed through medication while allowing the patient to consume clear liquids. A colectomy involves the removal of a portion of the colon, which can cause a temporary cessation of bowel motility known as post-operative ileus. Keeping the patient NPO (nothing by mouth) is often ordered to allow the intestine to rest and recover from the surgery. As the bowel function returns, the patient can slowly resume oral intake.

A Patient Has Undergone a Colectomy for Colon Cancer the MD