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What interventions should a nurse consider for a client experiencing abdominal distension after a laparoscopic partial colectomy?

For a client experiencing abdominal distension after a laparoscopic partial colectomy, the nurse should consider inserting a nasogastric tube, monitoring the client's abdominal girth, and auscultating the abdomen in all four quadrants. Reassuring the client that the complication should subside in a day or two may also be appropriate.

In cases of abdominal distension following a laparoscopic partial colectomy, interventions include the insertion of a nasogastric tube to relieve pressure, monitoring the abdominal girth to assess the extent of distension, and auscultating the abdomen to check for bowel sounds. These actions help in managing the distension effectively and ensuring the client's comfort and safety.

Key points

  • Consider inserting a nasogastric tube to relieve distension.
  • Monitor abdominal girth to assess distension severity.
  • Auscultate the abdomen in all four quadrants for bowel sounds.
  • Reassure the client that distension may resolve in a few days.
Source:Medical-Surgical Nursing in Canada by Sharon L. Lewis Shannon Ruff Dirksen Margaret M. Heitkemper Linda Bucher· Nursing Management Nutritional Problems· p. 1469–1476
Cover of Medical-Surgical Nursing in Canada by Sharon L. Lewis Shannon Ruff Dirksen Margaret M. Heitkemper Linda Bucher

Medical-Surgical Nursing in Canada by Sharon L. Lewis Shannon Ruff Dirksen Margaret M. Heitkemper Linda Bucher

Sharon L. Lewis & Shannon Ruff Dirksen & Margaret M. Heitkemper & Linda Bucher

FOURTH CANADIAN EDITION

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