A male client with a peptic ulcer is scheduled for a vagotomy and the client asks the nurse about the purpose of this procedure.. Reduces the stimulus to acid secretions

A male client with a peptic ulcer is scheduled for a vagotomy and the client asks the nurse about the purpose of this procedure.

Which response by the nurse best describes the purpose of a vagotomy?

• A. Halts stress reactions
• B. Heals the gastric mucosa
• C. Reduces the stimulus to acid secretions
• D. Decreases food absorption in the stomach

The correct answer is: C. Reduces the stimulus to acid secretions

A vagotomy is a surgical procedure that involves cutting or severing the vagus nerve, which stimulates the secretion of gastric acid. By reducing this stimulation, a vagotomy can help decrease the amount of acid produced in the stomach, which can be beneficial for patients with peptic ulcers.

Here's why the other options are incorrect:

• A. Halts stress reactions: While stress can contribute to peptic ulcers, a vagotomy does not directly halt stress reactions.
• B. Heals the gastric mucosa: A vagotomy does not directly heal the gastric mucosa (the lining of the stomach). Instead, it reduces the amount of acid that can damage the mucosa.
• D. Decreases food absorption in the stomach: A vagotomy does not significantly decrease food absorption in the stomach.

Therefore, the best response by the nurse is to explain that a vagotomy reduces the stimulus to acid secretions, which can help alleviate the symptoms of peptic ulcers.

Vagotomy: A Surgical Procedure for Peptic Ulcers

Vagotomy is a surgical procedure that involves severing or cutting the vagus nerve, a major nerve that carries signals to the stomach and other organs. This procedure is often performed to treat peptic ulcers, which are sores in the lining of the stomach or duodenum.

How Vagotomy Works:

• Reducing Acid Secretion: The vagus nerve stimulates the production of gastric acid, which can contribute to the development of peptic ulcers. By severing the vagus nerve, a vagotomy can reduce the amount of acid secreted by the stomach.
• Promoting Healing: Decreased acid production can create a more favorable environment for the healing of peptic ulcers.

Types of Vagotomy:

There are several types of vagotomy procedures, including:

• Selective vagotomy: This procedure involves cutting only the branches of the vagus nerve that stimulate acid secretion.
• Truncal vagotomy: This procedure involves cutting the main trunk of the vagus nerve, which can lead to more significant side effects.
• Highly selective vagotomy: This procedure involves cutting only the branches of the vagus nerve that innervate the antrum of the stomach, which is the region that produces the most acid.

Risks and Benefits of Vagotomy:

• Benefits: Vagotomy can be an effective treatment for peptic ulcers, especially in cases that are not responsive to medical therapy.
• Risks: Vagotomy can have potential side effects, such as:
• Dumping syndrome: This condition occurs when food is emptied too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Gastroparesis: This condition occurs when the stomach does not empty food properly, leading to symptoms like bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
• Increased risk of infection: Vagotomy can impair the body's ability to fight infections.

Vagotomy is a surgical procedure that should only be considered after careful evaluation by a healthcare provider. The risks and benefits of the procedure should be weighed against the potential consequences of untreated peptic ulcers.