Question

A 55-year-old patient returned to the medical-surgical unit after undergoing a right hemicolectomy (abdominal surgery) for colon cancer. Which of the following is an appropriate, correctly written nursing order for this patient?

1) 7/12/13 Encourage use of the incentive spirometer every hour while the client is awake—D. Goodman, RN
2) By 7/12/13, uses incentive spirometer 10 times every hour while awake to 1000 mL
3) Incentive spirometer hourly while awake
4) Offer incentive spirometer to the client—J. Smith, RN

Answer 1

The correct and appropriate nursing order for the postoperative care of a patient after hemicolectomy is to encourage use of the incentive spirometer every hour while awake, documented with the nurse's signature for accountability.

Step-by-step explanation:

An appropriate, correctly written nursing order for a 55-year-old patient who has undergone a right hemicolectomy for colon cancer and is returning to the medical-surgical unit would be the first option:

• 7/12/13 Encourage use of the incentive spirometer every hour while the client is awake—D. Goodman, RN.

This order is specific, includes a time frame, instructive action ('encourage use'), frequency ('every hour'), and a condition ('while the client is awake'), which makes it clear and actionable for nursing implementation. The inclusion of a sign-off by the issuing RN (D. Goodman) ensures accountability and allows for follow-up if needed.