A patient who underwent a gastroduodenostomy (Billroth I)12 hours ago complains of increasing abdominal pain. The patient has no bowel sounds and 200 mL of bright red nasogastric (NG)drainage in the past hour. The highest priority action by the nurse is to

Question

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Increased pain and 200 mL of bright red NG drainage 12 hours after surgery indicate possible postoperative hemorrhage,and immediate actions such as blood transfusion or return to surgery are needed (or both). Because the NG is draining,there is no indication that irrigation is needed. Continuing to monitor the NG drainage is not an adequate response. The patient may need morphine,but this is not the highest priority action.

A Patient Who Underwent a Gastroduodenostomy (Billroth I)12 Hours Ago