A nurse is caring for a patient who had an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) 2 hours ago. The nurse should alert the physician of which of the following signs and symptoms that suggest a complication from the procedure?

Explanation

• Major risks of ERCP include pancreatitis and perforation of the GI tract. Pain, distention, and fever are signs of these complications.

• With any procedure performed during a hospital stay, there is a risk of developing hospital-acquired pneumonia. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of pneumonia, but there is a greater risk of pancreatitis and GI perforation.

• The Absence of a gag reflex is expected after an ERCP due to the anesthetics used during the procedure. The gag reflex should return within a few hours after the procedure.

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