A nurse is planning care for a client who is returning to the unit following open gastric bypass surgery. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?
Explanation & Rationale
A) Ambulate the client 48 hr after the procedure: Early ambulation is important to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis and promote recovery. However, ambulating the client 48 hours after the procedure may be too late. Early mobilization, usually within the first 24 hours, is encouraged. B) Provide a soft diet on the first postoperative day: After gastric bypass surgery, the client typically starts with clear liquids and gradually progresses to a soft diet. Providing a soft diet on the first postoperative day is not appropriate and could cause complications. C) Provide 60 mL (2 oz) of fluid intake every 5 min: Fluid intake should be carefully monitored and gradually increased. Providing 60 mL of fluid every 5 minutes is excessive and could lead to discomfort or complications such as dumping syndrome. D) Measure and compare abdominal girth daily: Measuring and comparing abdominal girth daily helps monitor for signs of complications such as internal bleeding or anastomotic leaks. This intervention is crucial for early detection and prompt management of potential issues