A nurse on the post-partum floor is caring for a patient who had a cesarean section the previous day. The patient had epidural spinal anesthesia for the procedure, and now all feeling has returned to the patient's lower extremities. The nurse knows that an appropriate nursing goal for the patient on postoperative day 1 is which of the following?
Explanation
•Nurses should know which goals are appropriate for patients at each phase of recovery after surgical procedures. Ambulation with assistance is appropriate for this patient on postoperative day 1 since the patient has all feeling back to the lower extremities.
•Assisting the patient to ambulate to the bathroom also gives the patient the opportunity to attempt urinating or bowel elimination after surgery.
•The patient may not be able to urinate or have a bowel movement for a few days after surgery, though. It is also appropriate to encourage the patient to eat a diet including fiber and high nutrient foods to assist with bowel elimination and wound healing.
•Incorrect: A diet high in saturated fats is not recommended because this can produce abdominal bloating and distension causing increased discomfort in the incision area.