The nurse is caring for a patient following abdominal surgery.The patient asks the nurse when he will be able to eat a normal diet.Which response is best?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Although the diet order originates with the physician,the nurse must ensure that bowel sounds are present and the patient is able to pass flatus before any type of diet can be given to the patient.Most surgeons will write an order to advance the diet as tolerated once these findings occur.Every patient responds differently based upon their body and the type of surgery,so stating that most patients eat regular foods within 2 to 3 days is inaccurate.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Patient Following Abdominal Surgery