Question

62, Full Code, Allergies: Demerol PMH Cholecystectomy Appendectomy Right inguinal hernia repair HPI 2 days of abdominal pain, vomiting and nausea. Reports feeling bloated, minimal PO intake. Last BM was 3 days ago.

As a nurse what are your concerns (plan of care, diagnostic test to be ordered, etc.) for this patient?

Answer 1

In the given case, the patient had a cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and right inguinal hernia repair. It is common for appendectomy patients to experience abdominal pain, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. However, the patient must be referred to as abdominal scanning, and infection (if fever and chills are present) if the symptoms are severe.

The patient had the last bowel movement three days back, had to bloat, and had a minimal peroral intake. These symptoms must be reported to the physician. So, the nurse has to provide the food through the parental route to ensure supplying all the nutrients needed. The patient should not be given fatty foods due to cholecystectomy. The patient must be provided with laxatives to ease the bowel movement.