A nurse is assessing a client who is 24 hr postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Postoperative assessment after abdominal surgery focuses on monitoring fluid balance, gastrointestinal recovery, pain control, and early detection of complications. Adequate urine output is a key indicator of renal perfusion and overall circulatory status. Changes in urine output can signal dehydration, hypovolemia, or acute kidney injury. Nurses must identify abnormal findings that may require immediate provider notification. A. Hypoactive bowel sounds are expected within the first 24–48 hours after abdominal surgery due to the effects of anesthesia and reduced gastrointestinal motility. This condition, often referred to as postoperative ileus, is a normal finding and typically resolves gradually. It does not require immediate provider notification unless accompanied by worsening symptoms. B. A urinary output of 250 mL over 12 hours is below the expected minimum of approximately 30 mL per hour and indicates possible inadequate renal perfusion or hypovolemia. This finding may suggest dehydration, bleeding, or early acute kidney injury and requires prompt provider notification for further evaluation and intervention. C. NG drainage of 150 mL that is greenish-yellow (bilious) is an expected finding following abdominal surgery involving nasogastric decompression. The color and amount are within a reasonable postoperative range and help indicate proper gastric decompression. This does not require immediate reporting unless the volume becomes excessive or changes significantly. D. A client requesting medication for nausea is a common postoperative complaint and is typically managed with prescribed antiemetics. While it requires nursing intervention, it is not an abnormal finding that necessitates immediate provider notification. Symptom management can be addressed within routine postoperative care.