Final answer:
A nurse should instruct a gastronomy patient to avoid carbonated beverages, be aware of the need for vitamin B12 injections due to a lack of intrinsic factor after the surgery, and to take iron supplements but not with milk as it hinders absorption.
Step-by-step explanation:
A nurse providing teaching for a client who is 2 weeks postoperative following a gastrectomy should include several important instructions to ensure proper healing and recovery without complications. One important instruction would be to avoid carbonated beverages as they can cause gastrointestinal discomfort and bloating, which can be especially problematic after stomach surgery. Another crucial point is the need for supplementation of necessary nutrients that may be deficient due to altered absorption post-surgery, such as vitamin B12, which is essential for the production of red blood cells and neurological functioning. Intrinsic factor, which is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12, is produced by the stomach and may be lacking after a gastrectomy. Therefore, vitamin B12 injections are often recommended. Additionally, after surgery, it's important to have a diet that aids recovery without causing additional stress to the gastrointestinal tract. This would mean avoiding raw vegetables initially, as they can be difficult to digest and may lead to discomfort. Patients may be advised to take iron supplements to prevent anemia, but they should not take them with milk or other calcium-containing foods or drinks, as calcium can inhibit iron absorption.