Question

A patient who underwent abdominal surgery experiences constipation and severe cramping. Which nonpharmacological nursing interventions may provide relief to this patient? Select all that apply.

Option 1: Helping the patient walk
Option 2: Increasing the patient's fluid intake
Option 3: Providing stool softeners to the patient
Option 4: Planning sleep therapies for the patient
Option 5: Providing an elevated toilet seat to the patient

Answer 1

Nonpharmacological interventions to relieve constipation and cramping after surgery include helping the patient walk, increasing fluid intake, and providing an elevated toilet seat.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nonpharmacological Interventions for Post-Surgery Constipation and Cramping

After abdominal surgery, patients may experience complications such as constipation and severe cramping, which can be quite uncomfortable. Among the nonpharmacological interventions that may provide relief to patients in such cases include:

• Helping the patient walk
• Increasing the patient's fluid intake
• Providing an elevated toilet seat to the patient

Walking can help stimulate bowel motility, thereby reducing constipation. Proper hydration is essential as well, as it softens stool and promotes bowel movements. An elevated toilet seat can reduce strain during bowel movements, which is particularly helpful post-surgery.

It's important to note that providing stool softeners (Option 3) is a pharmacological intervention, and planning sleep therapies (Option 4), while beneficial for overall health, is not directly related to relieving constipation and cramping.