A nurse is monitoring a client who is 36 hr postoperative following gastric banding. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Explanation & Rationale
A. The client is voiding at least 250 mL/hr: Normal urine output for adults is approximately 30 mL/hr. Voiding 250 mL/hr is unusually high and may indicate overhydration or diuresis; this is not an expected postoperative finding. B. The client is maintaining bed rest: Early ambulation is encouraged after gastric banding to prevent complications such as venous thromboembolism, pneumonia, and delayed bowel function. Prolonged bed rest is not an expected or recommended postoperative behavior. C. The client is tolerating clear liquids: After gastric banding, clients are typically advanced to clear liquids initially, progressing slowly to full liquids and soft foods as tolerated. Tolerance of clear liquids at 36 hours postoperatively is an expected and appropriate finding. D. The client is consuming 1,000 calories daily: Postoperative dietary intake is extremely limited immediately following gastric banding. Consuming 1,000 calories per day this early is not typical, as intake usually starts with small, frequent, clear-liquid servings.