Question

A client returning from the surgical suite following a vaginal hysterectomy is awake and asking for something to drink. Her postoperative diet prescription reads: clear liquid; advance diet as tolerated. Which of the following is appropriate for the nurse to tell the client?

Answer 1

The nurse can inform the client that she can have clear liquids as per her diet prescription. Clear liquids include water, tea, coffee (without milk), clear broths, and carbonated beverages. The diet can be advanced as the client tolerates it.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse can inform the client that she can have clear liquids as per her diet prescription. Clear liquids include water, tea, coffee (without milk), clear broths, and carbonated beverages. These are the initial fluids that are allowed after surgery to prevent dehydration and provide some nourishment. As the client tolerates the clear liquid diet without complications, the diet can be progressively advanced to include more substantial foods.