Which action would the nurse perform in a postoperative patient to prevent paralytic ileus?
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Paralytic ileus occurs when the muscle contractions that move food through your intestines are temporarily paralyzed. It’s a functional problem of the muscles and nerves that mimics an intestinal obstruction even when nothing is obstructing them. Food becomes trapped in the intestines, leading to constipation, bloating and gas. Show
OverviewWhat is paralytic ileus?Paralytic ileus occurs in the intestines, the long, tube-like passageway where food is broken down and absorbed before the waste is pushed out as poop. The intestines process your food along this journey through a series of wave-like movements called peristalsis. Paralytic ileus is the paralysis of these movements. It means that the muscles or nerve signals that trigger peristalsis have stopped working, and the food in your intestines isn’t moving. Accumulating stagnant food, gas and fluids in your intestines may cause you symptoms of bloating and abdominal distension, constipation and nausea. This is an acute condition, which means it’s temporary and reversible, as long as the underlying cause has been addressed. How does paralytic ileus occur?Different kinds of conditions can inhibit your motility — your ability to process food through the digestive system. Paralytic ileus is a functional problem rather than a mechanical one. There's nothing physically blocking the passage of food in your intestines. The intestines just aren’t doing their job. Sometimes the entire digestive tract is affected, and sometimes ileus is localized in a particular bowel loop near the site of an injury or inflammation. Ileus is usually a temporary reaction of your body to trauma, such as surgery or infection. However, chemical factors, including medications, metabolic disturbances and electrolyte imbalances can also be at fault. Diagnosis and TestsHow is paralytic ileus diagnosed?Your medical history and a physical examination are often enough to diagnose ileus. An X-ray or abdominal ultrasound can confirm the condition by showing swollen and dilated segments of bowel without any mechanical blockage to explain them. Your healthcare provider may also use imaging tests to look for the cause if it isn’t already known. They may take a blood test to check your electrolyte and mineral levels. Management and TreatmentHow is paralytic ileus treated?If the cause is unknown, that will be addressed first. You may have an infection or disease that needs to be treated. If ileus occurs as a natural side effect of surgery, your healthcare team will already have a treatment plan in place. Treatment includes:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat’s the prognosis after treatment for paralytic ileus?Normally, paralytic ileus passes within a few days. If it lasts more than five days, your healthcare provider may investigate further to see if there’s something else going on. Most cases improve without medication. If you’ve been treated for dehydration and other deficiencies, you should gradually resume normal eating. In rare cases, ileus can take longer to resolve. A note from Cleveland Clinic Paralytic ileus most commonly occurs as an expected side effect of surgery. This kind of ileus follows a predictable course, and your healthcare providers will be well-prepared to treat it during your recovery. Many of the other causes of paralytic ileus will have you already under medical care for those conditions. That means it will likely be spotted and treated early so you can avoid the complications of prolonged, untreated ileus. If you experience symptoms of ileus independently of another known condition, don’t hesitate to seek care. While it will usually pass on its own, it can be uncomfortable, dehydrating and depleting in the meantime. Healthcare can support you with hydration and nutrition therapies and relief for your symptoms. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information
 enews More health news + infoWhen monitoring a client 24 to 48 hours after abdominal surgery the nurse would assess for which problem?The body naturally retains fluid for at least 24 to 48 hours after surgery, due to the stimulation of antidiuretic hormone as part of the stress response and the effects of anesthesia. The patient should be monitored for fluid and electrolyte imbalances, pulmonary edema, and water intoxication.
Which action would the nurse take to decrease the risk of transmission of VRE?What is the treatment for VRE? Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals should: ➢ Wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer before and after caring for every patient. This will prevent the spread of VRE from being passed from patient to patient.
Which of the following best describes a nurse who collaborates with a client directly to create and implement the plan of care?Which nurse collaborates directly with the client to establish and implement a basic plan of care after admission? The primary nurse provides or oversees all aspects of care, including assessment, implementation, and evaluation of that care.
Which therapeutic communication technique is used when the nurse and a client have a conversation?Active listening involves showing interest in what patients have to say, acknowledging that you're listening and understanding, and engaging with them throughout the conversation. Nurses can offer general leads such as “What happened next?” to guide the conversation or propel it forward.
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