Question

A client with a bowel resection and anastamosis returns to his room with an NG tube attached to intermittent suction. Which of the following observations indicates that the nasogastric suction is working properly? A. The client's abdomen is soft. B. The client is able to swallow. C. The client has active bowel sounds. D. The client's abdominal dressing is dry and intact.

Short answer

Answer: The client has active bowel sounds.

Step-by-step solution

Evaluate Option A

A soft abdomen might indicate that the NG tube is working properly, as it could be relieving pressure in the gastrointestinal system. However, this observation alone doesn't definitively confirm that the suction is working as it should.

Evaluate Option B

The ability to swallow is not directly related to the working of NG suction. An individual may be able to swallow regardless of whether the NG suction is working properly or not. So, this option is not the best indicator of proper NG suction function.

Evaluate Option C

Active bowel sounds indicate normal gastrointestinal motility and could be a sign that the NG suction is working to remove excess gas and fluids from the stomach. This is a potentially good indicator of proper NG suction function.

Evaluate Option D

A dry and intact abdominal dressing is important for the healing process after bowel resection and anastomosis surgery. However, it is not an immediate indicator that the nasogastric suction is working properly.

Determine the Best Indicator

Based on the evaluation of each option, the observation that indicates the nasogastric suction is working properly is: C. The client has active bowel sounds.

Key concepts

NG Tube Management

Nasogastric (NG) tubes are medical devices used to deliver and remove substances to and from the stomach. Proper management of an NG tube is crucial for ensuring patient safety and treatment efficacy.

One key aspect of NG tube management is monitoring its placement and function. A correctly positioned NG tube should reduce gastric pressure and help prevent nausea and vomiting. In the context of a bowel resection, correct NG tube function can facilitate healing by decompressing the stomach, thereby reducing the risk of surgical site complications.

Signs of Proper NG Tube Function

• Active bowel sounds could indicate that excess gas and fluids are being effectively removed from the stomach.
• A decrease in abdominal distension or bloating typically suggests that the tube is effectively decompressing the stomach.
• A consistent flow of gastric content into the suction canister indicates proper function.

Ensure that the tube is checked regularly for patency. Listen for bowel sounds and observe for any signs of discomfort, which might indicate the need for re-positioning of the tube.

Postoperative Care

Postoperative care involves meticulous attention to a patient’s needs following a surgical procedure. For someone who has undergone bowel resection, care must balance pain management, wound care, and monitoring for complications.

Effective pain control is essential, so patients can participate in recovery activities such as walking and deep breathing exercises. These activities reduce the risk of postoperative complications like pneumonia and deep vein thrombosis.

Monitoring for Complications

Additionally, it is important to monitor for signs of infection at the incision site, such as warmth, redness, discharge, or increased pain. Maintaining the integrity of the abdominal dressing is part of postoperative care, ensuring the surgical site remains clean and protected from infection.

Proper hydration and nutrition are also vital components of the postoperative care process, aiding in overall recovery and wellness.

Bowel Resection Recovery

Recovery from a bowel resection involves several stages and typically focuses on restoring bowel function, managing pain, and preventing complications.

Initially, patients may experience a lack of bowel function, known as ileus, which is normal after bowel surgery. The return of bowel sounds and function can indicate that the digestive system is starting to recover.

Progressive Diet and Activity

As recovery progresses, a patient's diet is typically advanced from clear liquids to more substantial foods as tolerated. Encouraging ambulation and gradually increasing activity levels are important to stimulate bowel movement and strengthen the body.

Long-term Recovery Considerations

In long-term recovery, adherence to dietary recommendations and close follow-up with the surgical team are critical. Monitoring for any changes in bowel habits is key for detecting potential issues early. With proper management and care, patients can often return to their normal activities over time.