Question

After abdominal surgery, what is the most reliable assessment that suggests return of peristaltic movement?

a. presence of normal bowel sounds
b. client report of passing flatus
c. client report of hunger
d. absence of nausea

Answer 1

The most reliable sign of the return of peristaltic movement after abdominal surgery is the client reporting the passing of flatus, as this demonstrates functional intestinal movement.

Step-by-step explanation:

After abdominal surgery, the most reliable assessment that suggests the return of peristaltic movement is client report of passing flatus. This indicates that the digestive system is starting to function properly by moving gas through the intestines, which is part of the normal peristaltic process. It is a more definitive sign compared to only presence of bowel sounds, which can occur without full return of peristaltic function, and compared to reports of hunger or the absence of nausea, which are more subjective and can be influenced by other factors.

Review Questions

1. Peristalsis refers to the stomach muscle contractions that propel food through the digestive system, particularly the small intestine, aiding in the digestion and absorption of nutrients.
2. The role of the small intestine in digestion includes the breakdown of food into its constituent parts, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream.
3. Following the removal of the gallbladder, the digestion of fats can be impaired since bile, which is crucial for fat emulsification, will no longer be stored and concentrated in the gallbladder, affecting the digestive process.