A nurse is caring for a client who is 36 hr postoperative following an open cholecystectomy. Exhibits The nurse is planning care for the client. Complete the following sentence by using the lists of options. The nurse should prepare to insert dropdown and request a prescription for dropdown.

Rationale for Correct Choices Nasogastric tube: The client is experiencing nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, firm abdomen, hypoactive/absent bowel sounds, and has not passed flatus since surgery, indicating possible postoperative ileus or gastric distension. Inserting a nasogastric tube can help decompress the stomach, relieve nausea, and prevent further complications such as aspiration. Opioid analgesic: The client reports increased incisional pain (5/10) and discomfort associated with abdominal distension. Administering an opioid analgesic as prescribed helps manage pain, allowing for comfort, mobility, and participation in postoperative care. Rationale for Incorrect Choices Chest tube: Chest tubes are used to drain air, blood, or fluid from the pleural space and are not indicated for abdominal distension or postoperative ileus. Additionally, the clients lung sounds are normal with adequate saturation on supplementary oxygen. Urinary catheter: The client’s urinary output is adequate (480 mL in 8 hr),averaging 60 mL/hr so a urinary catheter is not necessary at this time and does not address abdominal distension or nausea. Antibiotics: There is no evidence of infection at this time. Prophylactic or therapeutic antibiotics are not indicated solely for postoperative pain or nausea without signs of infection. Antihypertensive: The client’s blood pressure (104/68 mm Hg) is slightly lower than earlier but does not warrant antihypertensive therapy. Administering such medication could worsen hypotension and perfusion.