The 35-year-old pregnant client is concerned about constipation.When weighing the advantages and disadvantages of having a local anesthetic over a general anesthetic for a caesarian section,the nurse shares with the client that the local will cause less risk for constipation following surgery.The best reason that there is less constipation following this surgery is because:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The client who receives a local or regional anesthetic is less at risk for elimination alterations because this often affects bowel activity minimally or not at all whereas general anesthetic agents used during surgery cause temporary cessation of peristalsis,which can result in constipation.The client will still need to remain NPO before a scheduled caesarian section in case she would need to receive a general anesthetic.The client will not be able to ambulate immediately after surgery because of loss of feeling in the lower extremities.Clients should be able to eat following non-bowel-related surgery whether or not they have undergone a general anesthetic or a local anesthetic.

The 35-Year-Old Pregnant Client Is Concerned About Constipation