When the nurse is caring for a patient on the first postoperative day after an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, the information that is most significant when the nurse is assessing for the return of peristalsis is

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The passing of flatus is the best indicator of returning bowel function. Because the patient usually has an NG tube in place, the absence of abdominal distention is not indicative of gastrointestinal (GI) function. The quality of NG tube drainage may indicate the presence of complications such as GI bleeding but does not provide useful information about GI function. Moderate abdominal tenderness is expected after abdominal surgery.

When the Nurse Is Caring for a Patient on the First