Question

You are caring for a postoperative patient who has just returned from PACU after a hemicolectomy and is now requesting fluids to drink. What is your best response?

M. "We need to start you slowly. Try a few sips and see if you can tolerate it."
N "You won't be able to drink anything until your bowel sounds return."
O. "We need to keep the head of your bed flat for 6 hours, and then you'll be able to eat and drink.
P "You won't be able to drink until you have passed flatus."

Answer 1

After a hemicolectomy, it is necessary to follow the postoperative care plan which includes monitoring for the return of bowel sounds and the patient's ability to pass flatus before allowing them to drink fluids. This careful approach ensures the patient's digestive system is ready to handle oral intake and prevents complications.

Step-by-step explanation:

In response to a postoperative patient who has just had a hemicolectomy and is requesting fluids to drink, the most appropriate action would be to follow the surgeon's and anesthesia professional's postoperative care plan. Typically, this could mean starting with small amounts of clear liquids and observing for any nausea or vomiting. The return of bowel sounds, the ability to pass gas (flatus), and toleration of fluids without nausea or vomiting are common indicators that a patient's digestive system is recovering.

Therefore, the correct response may be "You won't be able to drink anything until your bowel sounds return" or "You won't be able to drink until you have passed flatus", depending on the specific protocol of the healthcare facility and the individual condition of the patient. It's also essential to keep the patient comfortable, and positioning such as keeping the head of the bed raised may be beneficial for preventing aspiration.