Final answer:
The client who believes they can resume their normal diet immediately after a cholecystectomy requires further education. A gradual reintroduction to normal diet is necessary as the body adjusts to digesting food without the gallbladder, especially concerning fat digestion.
Therefore correct answer to the question is a) "I can resume my normal diet right away."
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question is a) "I can resume my normal diet right away." After a cholecystectomy, which is the surgical removal of the gallbladder, it is advised that patients gradually return to their normal diet. This gradual reintroduction is necessary because the gallbladder plays a crucial role in digestion, particularly in the emulsification of fats by storing and concentrating bile produced by the liver. Without the gallbladder, the body must adjust to a continuous, rather than concentrated, flow of bile into the intestines. Digesting high-fat meals can therefore be more challenging immediately post-surgery.
Patients are typically advised to avoid fatty foods for a few weeks to prevent digestive issues and ease the transition to normal digestion. Pain management with medication as needed is standard, and patients should report any signs of complications, such as jaundice, which is indicated by the yellowing of the skin or eyes and could suggest postoperative issues such as bile duct obstruction or infection.
The client's statement that they can immediately return to their normal diet is incorrect and implies that further education on dietary restrictions post-surgery is necessary.